Applying Human-Centered Design Methods to Develop a New Systems Alignment Model for Newcomer Health and Well-Being in...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Systems Design
• Human-Centered Design

Background:

• Upstream barriers significantly impact newcomer health and well-being.
• Existing resettlement coordination mechanisms like quarterly consultations (QCs) present opportunities for improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To apply human-centered design (HCD) for developing a novel systems alignment model.
• To address upstream barriers affecting newcomer health and well-being within resettlement processes.

Main Methods:

• Leveraged quarterly consultations (QCs) for regional newcomer resettlement coordination.
• Employed HCD across inspiration, ideation, and implementation phases with an advisory panel.
• Conducted formative research including observations, focus groups, and interviews.

Main Results:

• HCD enhanced understanding of QCs, system partners, and newcomer structural barriers.
• A new alignment structure, process, and activities were designed, informed by system mapping.
• The model integrates insights from diverse system partners and newcomer experiences.

Conclusions:

• HCD facilitates the design of effective, efficient, and contextually relevant health policies and programs.
• Improved systems alignment in resettlement can reduce redundancy, address capacity gaps, and enhance collective impact.
• This approach has the potential to benefit other community groups facing similar health and well-being barriers.