Underdiagnosed and undertreated peripheral arterial disease: Using design thinking to establish priorities for peripheral arterial disease care

IntroductionDesign thinking (DT), a methodology for solving complex problems, has the potential to create powerful, human-centred healthcare improvement. We applied DT methodology to the context of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD is increasingly prevalent globally and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We fall short of achieving effective secondary prevention due to persistent underdiagnosis and undertreatment of this disease. In this study, we sought to identify novel and creative solutions to improve diagnosis and secondary prevention of PAD. MethodsWe describe the initial Empathize, Define, and Ideate stages of the five-stage DT model proposed by the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford University. We engaged patients with PAD, caregivers, clinicians, and other stakeholders in a co-design process using semi-structured interviews, a DT workshop, and post-workshop survey. Data from the interviews and workshop were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, and data from the survey were analyzed using an idea prioritization matrix. ResultsExploring the lived experience of those with PAD and those delivering PAD care emphasized the influence of system-level barriers. Many of the solutions proposed by workshop participants target evidence-based, system-level interventions through improved funding support, institutional support, outreach efforts and technological applications. The connections between insights derived in the Empathize stage and solutions proposed during the Ideate stage showed the success of the co-design process in inspiring empathy-driven solutions. DiscussionThis study demonstrates how DT methodology can be applied to complex healthcare problems such as PAD care, to systematically develop human-centred solutions. In the next stages of this study, we will use the results of this co-design process to iteratively implement, evaluate, and optimize the proposed solutions which were prioritized as being most feasible and high impact. KEY MESSAGESO_ST_ABSWhat is already known on this topicC_ST_ABSPeripheral arterial disease (PAD) is increasingly prevalent globally. The significant morbidity and mortality associated with PAD can be reduced with timely diagnosis and the effective use of secondary preventative therapies; however, PAD remains underdiagnosed and undertreated compared to other atherosclerotic diseases. What this study addsThis study is novel in its application of design thinking methodology and a co-design approach to work together with people with lived experience of PAD, to establish priorities for PAD care. How this study may affect research, practice or policy - Insights from this study emphasize system-level barriers which prevent effective delivery and uptake of PAD care. Solutions that are human-centred and co-produced with patients and key stakeholders should improve institutional and governmental support for implementation of evidence-based best practices; this will be investigated further in the next stages of this study.