System Design for People Dealing with the Liminal Space: Case Study

Family member that Take Care of Terminally Ill Family Member in Israel

Abstract

A 23% increase in the number of family members that find themselves as care providers has been documented throughout the last decade. In 2017, more than 1.6 Million people in Israel (18%) are defined as ‘caregivers’ to family member. In Israel, approximately 70% of yearly death cases are from terminal illness (Elizera, 2018).Accompanied is a family member who accompanies any terminal ill family member at some time during their illness. This project examines a system-design solution for the helplessness and obstacles that the Accompanied experiences. This project combines qualitative methods and human-based design. Based on the findings, three prototypes were developed using a participative graphic experience map and the co-design of illustrated storyboards. These prototypes were presented to senior caregivers in healthcare system and to a nursing manager of one of the biggest hospitals in Israel. This project found that the most efficient service for alleviating the Accompanied’s helplessness is a Case Facilitator (CF) who has expert knowledge of the health bureaucratic system and Interpersonal skills. The CF will escort the Accompanied during all critical situations throughout the process. This system-design solution could also solve similar problems for any person who find themselves dealing with liminal bureaucratic spaces.