Help us Brainstorm Internal and External Requirements of the Mobile Unit
Status: 
Step:
4
For this task, we'd like to break out two separate issues:
1. Tasks that must be performed inside the mobile health unit (things that must be kept cool, in a sterile environment, things that must be done in private, etc), and
2. Things that can be done outside the unit, for example, health education.
Please brainstorm the types of medical services that would need to happen inside versus things that could be done just as easily outside. This will help us identify the functional needs of the mobile unit to make it for hospital staff to facilitate these activities.
I've been thinking about the outside of the unit-here are some of my initial brainstorming thoughts:
1. A canopy.
2. Storage compartments-I'm envisioning this like on a large bus-usually there are boxed compartments for luggage toward the bottom. Something like that could possibly be adapted to this depending on the size of the vehicle. This might hold things like tables, chairs, etc.
3. Place for spare tires, or means to change tires if/when necessary with tools to do this.
4. Attachment for towing in case of getting stuck in the mud.
Inside:
1. Air condition.
2. Exam chairs/tables
3. Refrigeration Unit
4. Lab Area
5. File system
6. Locked storage are for medications.
7. Scale for weighing, both adults and infants
8. Sink for handwashing.
9. Disposal container for needles/sharps/medical waste.
10. Maybe a GPS to help locate unfamiliar addresses??
I'll keep thinking, but this is where I'm at with it so far, trying to keep in mind a smaller unit might be the most feasible.
Jennifer
If you are looking to fit a lot into a small space, something similar to this may be a good idea: http://www.marcopolodesign.com/pqmd/publish/Publish_item.asp?ID=140
Mary
That's great Mary! Thank you for sharing.
Calvin, can you put up the link to the gallery for the company website so people can see various pictures of what might be possible in terms of form/function? I think it might help people better visualize what we're talking about. Or maybe if there is one specific design that you think fits as a shell for this model? I think we need some pictures.
Jennifer
Previously, there was a task under Step 1 asking for a list and written description of hospital services. Based on my discussions with Bramuel today, I don't feel this task will be necessary now, so it was deleted. I have moved pertinent pieces from that discussion to the Wiki for this task, because the information seems to fit better here.
Jennifer
Calvin-
Bramuel mentioned today that 4-wheel drive would be required due to present road conditions.
Jennifer
Hello everyone,
Just some photos that Calvin sent me with examples of some units that could look similar to what we are trying to do here.
Just as a guide to clarify the idea we are discussing.
Any questions feel free to post here so we can all work around them.
Raul
Bramuel: Does this give you a better idea of the unit?
Hi Raul
Yes i think this has make some understanding to me some prositures.
Calvin
I understand that is not so pick like a trailer is it a box or a full min bus
this is a best job your doing we all appriciate
Best wishes
Bramuel
Dear all,
I found this piece of information in BusinessWeek:
"Philips Electronics (PHG ) also is building strategies around global megatrends. By 2050, the U.N. predicts, 85% of people will live in developing nations. But shortages of health care are acute. Among Philips' many projects are medical vans that reach remote villages, allowing urban doctors to diagnose and treat patients via satellite."
Do you think it is a good idea to contact Philips about their project?
Tanja
Hi Tanya-
If they have contact information listed, we could get that to Calvin.
Thanks for sharing the info-
Jennifer
Global Information Center
healthcare@philips.com
Fax: +31 40 27 64 887
Postal service:
Philips Healthcare
Global Information Center
PO Box 1286
5602 BG Eindhoven
The Netherlands