Abstract
Background: The Projects TOP (“Transsectoral Optimization of Patient Safety”; Project No.: 01NVF19018) and eRIKA (“ePrescription as an Element of Interprofessional Care Pathways for Continuous Medication Therapy Safety”; Project No.: 01NVF21110) address drug therapy safety in polypharmacy patients by integrating Living Labs (LL) as co-design environments.
Approach: The project TOP focuses on minimising medication errors in inpatient settings to improve the quality and continuity of care for polypharmacy patients. The LL enabled direct input from healthcare providers in structured workshops, aiming to target seamless transitions between inpatient and outpatient care. Key aspects included defining technical requirements for seamless interoperability across healthcare sectors, facilitated through iterative adjustments and real-time provider feedback.
The project eRIKA implements an electronic prescription system with comprehensive drug documentation and safety checks (AMTS). Structured into four sprints, the LL process systematically collected feedback on process flow, software design, and usability. The first two sprints focused on receiving feedback on process flow, while the third focused on design, usability, and the participant acceptance of the software. The fourth sprint tested the electronic prescription was tested in real-world conditions, with prescriptions being issued and processed in pharmacies. Stakeholders in the LL - including physicians, pharmacists, pharmaceutical assistants, and researchers - are directly engaged in design, implementation and monitoring of the overall process.
Results: The LL are a valuable tool for co-design within projects, especially for involving diverse stakeholders. User-friendly designs are facilitated through their inclusion, which can enhance project success. LL establish effective cross-sector collaboration for medication safety and enhance the overall functionality in medication management through systematic stakeholder input.
Implications: The integration of LL in healthcare projects demonstrates an effective model for enhancing project processes through co-production and multidisciplinary collaboration. Findings from TOP and eRIKA highlight the LL approach as a structured framework that strengthens stakeholder engagement through co-design and a collaborative approach, supporting the development of safer and more efficient medication therapy processes in healthcare.