DESIGN
ALEX
RONN
UNIT
MEDICAL
DIABETIC
EMERGENCY
How do you bring modern health care to patients in urban areas? This is the question I was tasked with when I began this project. As the project kicked off and initial research began I learned that a specific area of healthcare in these low-income areas needed more attention: Diabetes
The Focus of the project became clear as I began to interview endocrinologist and doctors from the Atlanta area. They told me a story that clearly drew a line between the rise of obesity in the USA and the rise of Diabetes Type 1 and 2. I then asked permission of the doctors to interview their patients.
The interviews and sit downs were key in the direction of the project. I learned that diabetics have to maintain their blood sugar levels; A-1C levels. These levels are very important to the health of diabetics. I learned that those who are able to maintain their levels live longer, happier lives. Meanwhile, patients who do not maintain their levels or see doctors live in a pain-filled world. These patients can have conditions that left unchecked by doctors can lead to amputations and in worst case scenarios death.
I asked the group of doctors that I was working with "Why diabetics do not come into have their levels checked?" and almost all of them had similar answers. That because of their low income most of these patients cannot afford healthy options, this is then the impetus for the onset of Type 2 diabetes. These patients usually work full-time jobs that are physically and time intensive leaving very little time for doctors appointments or check ups. This is where I saw an opportunity.
At this point, I rationalized that I wanted to reach a large group of Low-income residents in the Atlanta area? Simple, target how they move around the city and use stations already in use. A mobile Medical unit was the answer.
The medical unit needed to be a mobile doctors office. So working with Doctors and nurses I designed a compact office that they could see as an efficient workspace.
To finish off the project, we needed to get the word out about the mobile doctor's office. Using the current advertising displays in and around the Atlanta area I would be able to spread the word about The Mobile Medical Unit.
incorporating a small office, a work table/nurses station, and a small bathroom. The interior of the Sprinter van is fully functional and doctor approved.
