N.S. university students propose revamped colon cancer screening kits
Students at NSCAD University in Halifax are working on revamping Nova Scotia’s cancer screening program, specifically focusing on the colorectal cancer screening strategy. This program sends kits to all Nova Scotians aged 50 to 74 every two years, with the aim of early detection and prevention. The strategy has been a model for similar programs nationally and internationally since its launch 15 years ago.
While about 40 percent of people who receive the tests use them and return them with a fecal sample, there is room for improvement. John deWolf, a part-time instructor at NSCAD, believes that better design could increase these numbers and make the process easier for users. He and his students have been examining the current test kits and have noticed areas that could be enhanced.
According to Rosemary Peddle, one of deWolf’s students, the current instructions accompanying the test kits are filled with statistics and are written in a clinical manner. After using the test herself, Peddle found that it wasn’t user-friendly. The process of collecting a fecal sample involves placing a piece of paper in the toilet and defecating on it, which can be quite challenging for some users.
The students at NSCAD have been working on mockups and proposals for improving the kit design. They have presented Nova Scotia Health with various ideas, with a focus on clear and simple instructions and visuals to reassure users. Peddle mentioned the importance of simplifying the information, providing concise pamphlets, and ensuring that directions are easy to follow and understand.
The goal of this project is to provide Nova Scotia Health with a fresh perspective on their screening program and inspire them to make significant improvements. By looking at the kit design through a different lens, the hope is to ultimately increase participation rates and make the screening process more user-friendly.
Overall, the collaboration between NSCAD University and Nova Scotia Health showcases the power of design in healthcare initiatives. By incorporating innovative ideas and user-centered approaches, the redesigned cancer screening program has the potential to positively impact the community and promote better health outcomes.
