Bringing healthcare
to rural veterans
UX Strategy / Concepting / Systems Thinking / Project Management
BACKGROUND
When our professor asked us to tackle mobility in rural America, our team didn’t know where to start. Once we the realized how many barriers there are in the veteran healthcare system, we were determined to find a way to help. Veterans spend their lives serving us, so we created the Veterans Reach Clinic to serve them.
THE ASK
Find a way to improve the mobility of individuals living in rural America.
THE CHALLENGE
Increase veteran access to healthcare.
THE SOLUTION
A pilot program that brings in-network physicians to veterans with the help of virtual telehealth technology.
THE SITUATION
Some American veterans have to travel an upwards of 80 miles to see an in-network physician.
The US Department of Veterans Affairs aims to provide free, accessible care to 20 million veterans nationwide, but the system is strained. In rural America, where ¼ of American veterans live, this strain is felt even more intensely.
Many veterans cannot travel on their own.
Many veterans deal with with physical and mental disabilities that prevent them from living independently. They must rely on family and friends for transportation.
Going to the doctor may mean wage loss.
Because it takes so long to drive to VA locations, veterans often have to miss work. Getting a routine check-up can mean missing a day’s pay.
VA Doctors cannot provide necessary care.
Because of the barriers that veterans face, VA doctors cannot provide the necessary care to keep their patients healthy and happy.
THE OPPORTUNITY
90% of Americans live within 10 miles of a Walmart.
Veterans in rural America who don’t have access to proper healthcare do have access to Walmart, one of the largest retailers in the world.
Walmart is a cornerstone of rural culture.
In many small towns, Walmart is the only big box store. Rural Americans often see Walmart as more of a social destination than a grocery store.
Walmart is rich in infrastructure.
With over 6,000 physical locations and countless digital assets, Walmart has plenty of resources to pull from when exploring new ventures.
Walmart is already investing in healthcare.
Walmart is rolling out care clinics in select locations, providing in-store care and optimizing healthcare costs for their 1.5M employees.
THE SOLUTION
The Walmart Veterans Reach Clinic: a pilot program that brings in-network physicians to veterans with the help of virtual telehealth technology.
Thanks to real-time video conferencing and recent advances in diagnostic medicine, veterans will be able receive basic healthcare from their VA doctors at their local Walmart.
How does the Walmart Veterans Reach Clinic Work?
A patient journey
What services does the Walmart VRC provide?
The Veterans Reach Clinic is not a replacement for VA hospitals. We’re here to support the VA, and give Veterans convenient access to basic, preventive and follow-up care.
Why this works works
How did I make it?
With a lot of exploratory research, stakeholder interviews
and countless hours of script writing
TEAM
Gloryah Allen, Experience Designer
Joshua Browne, Copywriter
Robert Arthur, Art Director
Joelle Halle, Experience Designer
WHAT I LEARNED
Systems Thinking
When you come up with an idea that feels intimidating, lean in. Immerse yourself in research until the problem feels solvable.
Collaboration
The best work happens when you and your teammates are not precious about your your job titles. Sit with your copywriter for hours and you’ll both learn something.