Just Lose It!

Exploring Health Adherence Through Design Thinking

Co Authors:	Jody L. Vogelzang Department of Allied Health Sciences Grand Valley State University vogelzjo@gvsu.edu Elizabeth L. MacQuillan Allied Health Sciences Grand Valley State University macquile@gvsu.edu Janna E. Pacey Allied Health Sciences Grand Valley State University paceyj@gvsu.edu Geraldine J. Terry Kirkhof College of Nursing Grand Valley State University terryg@gvsu.edu Jeffery A. Trytko Office of the Vice-Provost of Health Grand Valley State University trytkoj@gvsu.edu Marie E. VanderKooi Department of Nursing Grand Valley State University vandema1@gvsu.edu
Abstract:	This case study introduces “Rose” and “Michael,” a couple with infertility issues that may be related to Rose’s weight. The story details a visit to a pre-conception clinic and the struggle that Rose and Michael face in addressing underlying issues with adherence to clinic instructions. The case makes use of the five steps in the problem-solving process of design thinking as Rose and Michael progress through activities such as keeping a food record and a reflection diary, to navigating real life barriers to weight loss. Students assemble facts, synthesize information, and interpret behaviors during the sections of the case as they become familiar with terminology and techniques that impact a universal health issue of non-compliance, or as we find in the case, non-adherence. This case was developed for upper-level undergraduates and graduate students in a variety of health profession majors and would work well as part of an interdisciplinary class including social work, community health, health education, nursing, and dietetics.
Objectives:	Identify barriers to behavior change. Describe how external and internal factors impact health and behavior change. Synthesize complex data to create a comprehensive assessment. Apply principles of design thinking to create an effective intervention for the case problem. Practice collaborative skills.
Keywords:	Design thinking; health non-compliance; infertility; weight management; obesity; food journaling; patient adherence; social determinants of health
Topical Area:	Policy issues, Social issues
Educational Level:	Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, Professional (degree program), Clinical education
Formats:	PDF
Type/Method:	Interrupted
Language:	English
Subject Headings:	Interdisciplinary Sciences Nursing Nutrition Physiology Psychology Public Health Sociology
Date Posted:	11/19/2019
Date Modified:	N/A
Copyright:	Copyright held by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Please see our usage guidelines, which outline our policy concerning permissible reproduction of this work.

Teaching Notes

Case teaching notes are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering here.

Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.

Download Teaching Notes

Answer Key

Answer keys for the cases in our collection are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering here.

Get Answer Key

Name:
Email:
Department:
Institution:
City State:
Comments:
	Enter Security Code: