Innovation in hemodialysis: Using the Biodesign process to identify unmet needs

Authors:
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
There is renewed demand to accelerate innovation in nephrology; public and private sectors are creating programs to support its growth. The Stanford Biodesign innovation process, first developed in 2000, provides a roadmap for health technology and device innovation. There is insufficient published guidance on the application of the Biodesign process in the generation of novel devices to address nephrology- and/or dialysis-related clinical unmet needs. We present “needs finding,” the initial part of the identify phase in the Biodesign innovation process and how it may be utilized for nephrology- and/or dialysis-related innovation. We describe here how to apply the Biodesign process to identify unmet dialysis-related needs, with the use of specific case-based examples based on observations within a hemodialysis unit. We then explore how to develop these needs using background research, direct clinical observations, interviews, documentation of observations and interview findings, and development of multiple needs statements. We conclude that there is an opportunity for nephrology innovators to use this methodology broadly in order to identify areas for innovation and initiated the development on novel solutions to be introduced into patient care.
Funding Information
  • National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (K24 DK085446)