An integrative review of human-centered design and design of thinking for the creation of health interventions

Background: In the United States, we have a healthcare system crisis with high rates of dissatisfaction among patients and providers. To transform health and healthcare, clinical providers must be proficient in the human-centered approach of design thinking (DT). Objective: To synthesize the human-centered design (HCD) and DT literature for the creation of health interventions. Methods: We performed an integrative literature review focused on how HCD and DT are used in the clinical healthcare setting. Four research databases were searched from inception through November 6, 2020. We analyzed the methodology used, who is using the frameworks, and the DT phases included. Results: Twenty-four articles were included in the final analysis. Of the 24 manuscripts, 6 (25%) were nurse-led and 15 (63%) had interdisciplinary first and last authors (e.g., Nursing and Medicine). Overall, 10/24 (42%) included all DT method. When analyzing the articles by approach or methodology, 12 (50%) stated they were using the HCD approach, 5 (21%) the DT methodology, and 7 (29%) stated they were using both the HCD approach and DT methodology. Conclusion: There are inconsistencies in who uses DT and the phases used to create healthcare interventions.

Automated summary

This study synthesizes the literature on human-centered design (HCD) and design thinking (DT) in the clinical healthcare setting. The analysis reveals inconsistencies in the usage of DT and the phases used to create healthcare interventions. Results also show that a significant proportion of nurse-led and interdisciplinary research teams are utilizing HCD and DT approaches.