NSCAD Students Innovate Healthcare Materials for Dementia and Rehab

Students at NSCAD University in Halifax have created innovative health-care materials aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals with dementia and those undergoing rehabilitation. Through two specialized programs, these students utilized their design expertise to fill significant gaps in current health care offerings.

Revamping Dementia Care Tools

A newly developed dementia toolkit moves beyond traditional memory games and puzzles. This toolkit prioritizes independence, physical activity, and essential life skills. According to a university release, “Most toolkits that are made for people living with dementia focus on the cognitive aspect of the disease with puzzles and memory games, while neglecting the person’s physical, social, and emotional needs.”

Students are set to present their prototype of this dementia kit at the Northwood Halifax Campus on March 15, 2024. Glen Hougan, an associate professor of design, emphasized the importance of real-world experience, stating, “If we’re looking at a human-centered or user-centered design, and you’re not actually interacting with a real user, it’ll be challenging.”

Enhancements for Rehabilitation Patients

Another cohort of students collaborated with the Nova Scotia Rehabilitation and Arthritis Centre to enhance the existing Self-Medication Program (SMP) materials. This program teaches patients how to manage their medications effectively after leaving the rehabilitation centre.

The students proposed several new tools, including an additional section on the YourHealthNS app for tracking medication intake, a new reminder app to keep patients engaged, a website featuring learning videos and information sheets, redesigned pill labels, and a comprehensive take-home dossier summarizing program details.

These ideas were presented to representatives from Nova Scotia Health at the Nova Scotia Health Innovation Hub on Friday afternoon. The students’ efforts reflect a commitment to improving patient care and supporting individuals in managing their health outside of clinical settings.

Through these projects, NSCAD students are not only developing their design skills but also making a tangible difference in the health care landscape, demonstrating the vital intersection of education and community needs.