The 4 case studies by Penn Nursing illustrate how nurses can be really powerful collaborators and generators of solutions within Healthcare. The videos describe the main attributes that nurses bring to the problem solving table

1. Empathy. A big part of a nurses role is to be able to empathize with their patients, so it comes naturally to nurses.
2. Problem solving skills. Nurses have to solve problems on a daily basis during their shifts. They are really good at problem solving.
3. Nurses see the actual problems first hand on a daily basis. They know better than anyone what issues need to be addressed.
4. Nurses care for patients. They see the issues and problem solve on the fly. They are used to working with rough prototypes and iterating fast to improve.
5. In general as the last video points out, nurses are unaware of the ideas and solutions that could be applied to their problems. Inclusion in the problem solving process and an understanding of the options and solutions being proposed could help to speed up the innovation process.

Visit Penn Nursing website Design Thinking for Health to watch videos on the following case studies

1. Cathy Bowles, Co-Founder of Rightcare Solutions, Penn Nursing Innovators: D2S2 Decision Support Tool for Discharge Planning
2. Ernesto Holgiun, Penn Nursing Innovators: Drying Inspection Apparatus for Diabetes - Patented the first ever foot care telehealth system.
3. Sarah Szanton: Johns Hopkins Hospital, Capable Program: Helping elderly community members live more safely at home. CAPABLE is a client-centered home-based intervention to increase mobility, functionality, and capacity to “age in place” for low-income older adults. Read more...
4. Rachel Walker, UMass Amerhurst College of Nursing: IV Fluid System. Co-creating support strategies for cancer survivorship

For a full index of all The Design Thinking Association articles on Design Thinking in Healthcare, visit our vertical markets - Healthcare page.