Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate nurses' and nurse assistants' experiences with a design thinking approach to innovation used in a nursing home in Norway.
Background: A design thinking approach to innovation that focuses on users' needs can be employed to address many of the challenges facing health care providers in a field facing a growing ageing population, complex diseases and financial shortfalls.
Evaluation: This study is based on a thematic analysis of four focus group interviews with nurses and nurse assistants (n = 23).
Key issues: In the initial phase of developing the new service model, which included defining staff roles and responsibilities, participating nurses and nurse assistants felt engaged and motivated by the designers' inclusive and creative methods. However, during the new model's testing phase, they were critical of management's lack of involvement in the model`s implementation and therefore became less motivated about the project.
Conclusion: The findings of the study highlight the importance of the designers cooperating with management and staff for the duration of the innovation process.
Implications for nursing management: Challenging innovation processes require strong managers who engage with designers, patients, staff and volunteers throughout all phases of an innovation process using a design thinking approach.
Keywords: design thinking; focus group interviews; innovation; nursing homes; nursing management.
© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.