Original challenge: How can we, by accessible means, help many patients achieve equitable and improved health and well-being?
Challenge from: OCD-programmet, Psykiatri Sydväst, Region Stockholm
Redefined challenge:How might we motivate people to seek help early on, and empower them with necessary support and knowledge to create habits that benefit their mental health?
Solution: The Up and Down bus
Concept: The Up and Down bus is a colorful double-decker bus that offers a safe, supportive space for individuals facing mental health challenges or relatives interested in the topic. The bus’s services include guidance on how to seek professional help and take part in other resources/ supportive communities, free activities, peer support sessions, lectures about how lifestyle affects mental health. It also provides a small café that offers healthy snacks, herbal tea and nutritious smoothies!
Team: Team OCD
Alice Allwin, Celine Dudas, Indu Negi, Iqra Jameel Chugtai, Kago Terrence Kruger, Kushan Gayathra Perera, Öykú Cise Sahintas

Report abstract

This report outlines the design thinking process to address psychiatric care gaps by integrating somatic and lifestyle factors alongside traditional treatments. Through interviews and surveys with stakeholders, including individuals with psychiatric conditions and healthcare professionals, we identified critical barriers such as missed somatic assessments, limited awareness of lifestyle impacts, and gaps in care transitions. 

We reframed the challenge and ideated solutions using insights gained, ultimately developing five initial concepts. These concepts were evaluated based on feasibility, scalability, cost, and accessibility, leading to the selection of a final concept aimed at holistic care. 

The project emphasizes the importance of bridging somatic and psychiatric care to improve outcomes, offering a cost-effective and accessible approach to enhance health and well-being for patients with psychiatric conditions.