Building a Culture of Inquiry in Healthcare Design: Research,Appraisal,and Empowerment Through the RAISE Heuristic Model

Abstract

Background

The Nursing Institute of Healthcare Design conducted an interdisciplinary design professional workshop surrounding evidence-based research inclusion throughout the continuum of healthcare projects. A mnemonic was developed to guide learners through steps of research integration: Rethink; Appraise; Inquire; Study; and Empower (RAISE).

Purpose

The purpose of developing the RAISE heuristic model was to create a common approach to evidence-based design integration in healthcare projects through easily interpretable, guided steps and adaptable use across multiple stakeholder groups/settings.

Method

Guided by situational learning theory, RAISE was introduced to over 49 design professionals via a keynote presentation, panel session, and interactive virtual escape room activity. Workshop attendees used the mnemonic to find clues, solve puzzles, and complete a quiz to ‘escape’ one of four project scenarios: operating room; pediatric in-patient behavioral health; community clinic; and emergency department.

Results

A total of 34 attendees completed an evaluation survey, which included Likert-scale quantitative questions and qualitative open-ended questions. Over 80% of respondents rated the knowledge of subject, presentation skills, content, and overall session as ‘Excellent.’ Qualitative findings noted areas of opportunity to refine the RAISE model to smaller scale project applications.

Conclusion

The RAISE model has been adopted by an interprofessional graduate healthcare systems design course at Montana State University and by industry partners of the Nursing Institute of Healthcare Design to make research approachable to new generations of designers. Future work will include further testing and iterative refinement of the model as part of an online toolkit developed by the Institute.