Supporting Nurse’s Unseen Decision-Making Needs: A Human-Centered Innovation Case Study

• Published in: Proceedings of the International Symposium of Human Factors and Ergonomics in Healthcare Vol. 14; no. 1; pp. 64 - 70
• Main Authors: Babalola, Grace, Jesso, Stephanie Tulk
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.09.2025
• Subjects: human-centered design; human factors; triptech method; patient outcomes; digital platform; nurses; real-time decision-making
• ISSN: 2327-8595; 2327-8595
• DOI: 10.1177/2327857925141014

Despite nurses' critical role in healthcare delivery and patient outcomes, current technologies often overlook their specific decision-making needs, focusing instead on obvious issues while neglecting frontline staff requirements. This gap results in inefficient workflows, decision-making delays, and burnout among nursing professionals. Using the TripTech human-centered design method, we conducted interviews, need-based surveys, and focus group discussions with nurses across multiple U.S. states to identify key needs and evaluate proposed solutions for a novel nurse-centered information platform. Results identified key needs including rapid access to patient information, evidence-based practice updates, peer support during critical situations, and mental health resources. Six design concepts were developed and evaluated, with nurses strongly favoring platforms offering real-time patient information access, research collaboration tools, and specialized training resources. Critical design requirements emerged: seamless workflow integration, verified evidence-based content, secure peer collaboration, strict privacy standards, and specialty customization options. This research demonstrates the value of user-centered design in healthcare technology development and provides direction for creating tools that support nurses' complex decision-making needs.