Design Thinking Like a Nurse: A Professional Practice Model for Nursing Innovation

Area of Science:

• Nursing
• Healthcare Innovation
• Change Management

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the need for and visibility of creative problem-solving in nursing.
• Nurses possess inherent skills, strengths, and values crucial for innovation in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel professional practice model for nursing innovation.
• To demonstrate how this model facilitates practice improvements by leveraging nursing's core attributes.

Main Methods:

• Integration of the standard nursing process with Design Thinking principles.
• Incorporation of Theory U change management processes.
• Illustration of the model through a clinical case study in pediatric oncology.

Main Results:

• The proposed model effectively structures and enhances nursing innovation.
• The case study demonstrates practical application and benefits in a clinical setting.
• Nurse leaders can utilize this model to foster innovation.

Conclusions:

• A new professional practice model synergizes nursing processes with Design Thinking and Theory U.
• This model empowers nurse leaders to drive innovation and improve healthcare delivery.
• Adopting a "design thinking like a nurse" approach enhances healthcare settings.