Objective: To evaluate the impact of an 8-hour human-centered design (HCD) workshop on nurses’ and other clinicians’ creative self-efficacy (CSE), psychological empowerment (PE), and traits of design thinkers (TDT). Background: Despite nurses’ routine problem-solving, formal training in HCD is lacking. Integrating HCD can foster intrapreneurship and innovation within healthcare systems. Methods: A mixed-methods, 1-group quasi-experimental study was conducted at a Midwestern university’s Entrepreneurship Center with VA Healthcare System nurses and clinicians. Participants completed pre-workshop and post-workshop surveys measuring CSE, PE, and TDT, and qualitative reflections. Results: Among 27 participants, statistically significant improvements were observed in CSE (d=1.23), PE (d=0.43), and TDT (d=0.65). Qualitative themes highlighted collaboration, experiential learning, and a desire for continued innovation support. Conclusions: HCD workshop enhanced nurses’ innovation competencies and empowered them to lead system improvements. Strategic partnerships with universities can address educational gaps and foster a culture of intrapreneurship in healthcare.
Holt et al. (2026) studied this question.