Enhancing People-Centred Arthritis Care: A Design Thinking and Empathy-Driven Approach through Interdisciplinary Research

Xing, Yaohan (2026) Enhancing People-Centred Arthritis Care: A Design Thinking and Empathy-Driven Approach through Interdisciplinary Research. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

Preview

Text Yaohan Xing PhD Thesis_Final Version_Final Award March 2026.pdf - Accepted Version Download (11MB)

Abstract

As populations age, arthritis has become an increasingly urgent global health concern, highlighting the need for more responsive and people-centred healthcare services. This study explores how people-centred care can be improved in arthritis healthcare by integrating design thinking with qualitative research methods.

The research was conducted in two phases. A systematic review examined how people-centred care is defined and applied in existing studies on arthritis, providing a theoretical foundation. Building on this, the study adopted an interpretative phenomenological approach, incorporating the empathy stage of design thinking to explore the lived experiences of people with arthritis. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data, which were analysed using thematic and framework analysis, supported by user journey mapping.

The findings reveal key areas where people with arthritis encounter challenges, gaps, and unmet needs in their interactions with healthcare services. The research demonstrates the potential of design thinking, supported by interdisciplinary collaboration and user-focused analysis, to contribute to the development of more empathetic, adaptive, and inclusive arthritis care.

A major outcome of this study is the proposal of a novel circular framework for people-centred arthritis care. This model moves beyond traditional linear service delivery by emphasising continuity, responsiveness, and experience-based design. The research also introduces an interdisciplinary methodology combining design thinking, phenomenology, and user journey mapping.

By centring the experiences of people with arthritis, this study provides practical insights and tools for healthcare providers seeking to improve service quality and contributes to advancing people-centred approaches within arthritis care.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 3 March 2026 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	People-centred care, arthritis care, design thinking, healthcare services, interdisciplinary research
Subjects:	CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-05 - medical sciences > CAH02-05-02 - healthcare science (non-specific) CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-05 - medical sciences > CAH02-05-04 - anatomy, physiology and pathology CAH02 - subjects allied to medicine > CAH02-06 - allied health > CAH02-06-01 - health sciences (non-specific) CAH13 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01 - architecture, building and planning > CAH13-01-01 - architecture
Divisions:	Architecture, Built Environment, Computing and Engineering > Architecture and Built Environment > Architecture Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection
Depositing User:	Louise Muldowney
Date Deposited:	30 Mar 2026 16:12
Last Modified:	30 Mar 2026 16:12
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16951

Actions (login required)

View Item