Integrating service design methods into design ethnography: Preparing for field research in hospital Emergency departments

This article discusses the service design and ethnographic preparation methods employed in the initial discovery phase of a co-design research project, aimed at enhancing the blood culture pathway for potential sepsis patients in UK emergency departments across three NHS trust hospitals. Conducting observations in such complex, busy settings within limited time frames poses significant challenges. Minimizing disruptions becomes key, especially in high-pressure work environments. Elaborate preparation of observation methods leads to more productive findings and reduces the need for repeated visits, promoting mutual respect between researchers and stakeholders. This article offers valuable strategies for service design researchers to prepare effectively for ethnographic observations and equip themselves with the necessary design ethnographic inquiry tools for conducting fieldwork in complex settings.