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Human-Centred Design as a participatory approach for identifying competency barriers and co-creating solutions in maternal health

Design · All designs
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 qualitative), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description

The article describes HCD as "a participatory approach that values empathy, creativity, and collaboration with end-users when designing practical, contextually appropriate interventions." Techniques included journey mapping, systems mapping, ranking exercises, and low-fidelity prototyping, which surfaced hidden barriers such as workflow inefficiencies, cognitive overload, and emotional stress. The approach enabled providers to move beyond identifying challenges to developing solutions enhancing clinical practice and health system responsiveness.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

  • Engagement of end-users (providers) in participatory techniques such as journey mapping and prototyping

Constraints

  • Applied in low-resource maternity settings in Malawi; the article notes past research shows HCD innovations are more acceptable, feasible, and sustainable in such contexts

Target Learners

  • EmONC providers
  • maternity facility in-charges
  • district health managers

Learning Goals

  • identifying barriers to emergency obstetric care
  • co-designing clinical decision-support and training interventions

Claims

Examples

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Key Sources

  • Kamanga Martha, Kapalamula Felister, Kazembe Abigail, Kabondo Charity, Chakhame Bertha, Lungu Gaily, Kumbani Lilly, Chodzaza Elizabeth. (2026). Competency gaps in emergency obstetric and neonatal care: Assessing knowledge, skills, and confidence in the use of magnesium sulfate among providers in Malawi. Women's Health. https://doi.org/10.1177/17455057261471323
Page metadata
Field Value
type design
id hcd-participatory-approach-emonc-competency
title Human-Centred Design as a participatory approach for identifying competency barriers and co-creating solutions in maternal health
description The article describes HCD as "a participatory approach that values empathy, creativity, and collaboration with end-users when designing practical, contextually appropriate interventions." Techniques included journey m...
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-04
trust unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources 1 — kamanga-martha-2026

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