An integrated "ecology" for HIV+ individuals, designed for a future in which sensor patches can monitor body chemistry painlessly and connect to "the cloud".
This solution focuses on reducing the number of time patients have to spend getting tested frequently and then following up with their providers about results.
Duration: 5 weeks
Role: UX Designer
Skills: Concept, Research, Systems Thinking + Visual Design
What is HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It attacks the body’s immune system and destroys the cells that fight off infection and disease.
Effect on CD4 Cells
HIV attacks CD4 cells which are white blood cells that fight off infection and play an important role in the immune system.
Effect on CD4 Cells
HIV increases the amount of viral load in a persons blood. Viral load is the amount of virus in the blood.
What is ART?
ART stands for anti-retroviral therapy and it is the combination of medicines that slows the spread of HIV in the body. It does this by increasing the CD4 count and decreasing the viral load. These two values have to be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of ART.
This feedback loop shows how the ART Regimen works to increase the CD4 count of a patient. After a CD4 Test, a medical specialist is able to compare the CD4 count to the CD4 goal and prescribe medications. After some time, the patient will have to get another CD4 test so the medical specialist is able to see how to continue to work towards the goal.
The feedback loop of the undetectable viral load is similar to that of the CD4 count, except in this case the ART regimen is being used to reduce the viral load with the goal of making it undetectable.
- The process of monitoring the ART regimen can be time consuming (frequent blood tests and appointments)
- Side affects to medications are frequent due to which medications can change often
- Creating a pill schedule, particularly for those new to the regimen, can be challenging
Proposed Future State
- Reduces frequency of the patient's in person visits to the medical provider and pharmacy
- Allows for data to be transmitted instantly reducing the amount of time a provider or pharmacist has to wait
- App integrates with patient's calendar to give reminders
- Allows patient to track their own data
UI for patient app
Patient can monitor CD4 & Viral load levels over time: daily, weekly, and monthly.
Medical providers have instant access to this data as well.
View list of current and past medications, including when to take them and the option to report side-affects.
Communicate directly with HIV care network such as the HIV healthcare provider, therapist, and pharmacist.