Bill Michael Robinson

How might we design a solution that helps reduce the number of accidental opioid overdoses each year?

Opioid overdose has become an epidemic in the U.S. The overdose death rates have more than doubled over the past decade. Nearly half a million people have died of drug overdoses since 2000.

I was challenged to develop software solutions that could help address the problem. This project demonstrates my approach to developing innovative but practical solutions.

Persona Map

My discovery process starts with a Persona Map. This exercise helps the team identify the target user, as well as the people and/or organizations who can have an impact on the situation.

User Persona

I strongly believe in doing first-person research to build my personas. I interviewed a local woman struggling with past drug use – her insights were extremely helpful in crafting my solutions.

User Journey

Based on my research – and feedback from my primary persona – I was able to identify 4 key ‘Moments of Opportunity.’ These are the points in the journey where  I feel we can have the most influence.

Based on the selected Moments of Opportunity, I developed 3 potential software-based solutions that may help address specific aspects of the problem. Each of these solutions were developed in quick-fire concepting sessions.

There is no “magic bullet” to the opioid problem. Addressing the issue will require a comprehensive effort involving legislation, targeted programs, and increased local support.

Moment of Opportunity: Overdose

Overdose on opioids is extremely common in rural areas where local EMS capabilities are likely to be more limited.

Intranasal naloxone (NARCAN®) is nearly as effective as intravenous injection – with a lower risk profile. This simple, effective treatment needs to be readily available and the certification requirements to administer should be lowered.

In the event of overdose, this Web-based app will instantly connect the user with nearby sources of naloxone – either mobile, such as a police vehicle, or stationary like a fire station or other emergency facility.

Solution:
An UBER-like app to help locate nearby sources of naloxone and suboxone in real-time

Moment of Opportunity: Initiation

This idea may be controversial and sound a bit like “Big Brother.” But this technology is currently in development for multiple uses.

There is an over-supply of prescription opioids as U.S. since Drug manufacturers have a financial incentive to sell more pills and doctors have an incentive to prescribe.

These pills get onto the second-hand market when patients or distributors sell their excess supply. Every pill is identical so it’s difficult to track them once they leave the manufacturer. There is little accountability built into the system.

An embedded RFID chip gives each pill a unique tracking number which can tied to a blockchain database. The tiny chip is too small to be seen or removed – and will pass harmlessly through the body.

Solution:
An RFID chip embedded in the pill – tied to a blockchain inventory tracking system

Moment of Opportunity: Post-Interdiction

This concept was strongly influenced by the subject of my persona interview. She identified the lack of good support as a major factor in addiction relapse.

Release from custody – either from a detention center or rehab facility – is a critical juncture for an opioid addict. Without proper support, the user is likely to fall back into old behavior patterns – and the risk of overdose is high since their body has not been exposed to the drug for some time.

Solution:
An app to connect the opioid addict to a “recovery coach” to help meet the challenges she may face after release from custody