Use of design thinking to reconstruct the experience of senior adults transitioning into nursing homes in Singapore

Objectives: Transition into a nursing homes presents with multifaceted challenges, resulting in occupational injustice as participation in meaningful activities diminishes. This study uses design thinking as a theoretical framework to explore key challenges faced by senior adults in Singapore during this transition. Through an empathy-driven approach, the study aims to identify key challenges and co-develop a care model with nursing home stakeholders to reconstruct the transition process.Methods: The study was conducted in three phases:Phase 1: A phenomenological approach (n=10) involved 3×8-hour observations and one-to-one interviews to understand the lived experiences of senior adults transitioning into nursing homes.Phase 2: Focus group discussions (n=15) were conducted to co-create a service blueprint facilitating a smoother transition.Phase 3: A mixed-methods convergent design (n=30) was used to pilot and evaluate the co-created service blueprint.Impact / Results: Four personas of senior adults were developed to illustrate key phases of transition into nursing homes.A care model was created to enhance the transition experience, emphasizing the role of occupational therapists in addressing occupational injustice.The model provides structured interventions to promote engagement in meaningful occupations during and after the transition.Conclusion / Significance to the Occupational Therapy Profession: This is the first care model designed using principles of design thinking to mitigate challenges faced by senior adults during transitions into nursing homes. It highlights the critical role of occupational therapists in facilitating occupational justice, promoting participation, and enhancing well-being throughout the transition process. The model offers a framework for improving nursing home transitions in Singapore and beyond