Apply design thinking method to approach leptospirosis investigation in a school, Nan Province, February–March 2025

Abstract

Introduction: In August 2024, the Office of disease prevention and control 1, Chiang Mai was notified of a fatal suspected leptospirosis case in Mae jarim District, Nan Province. The case was a 12-year-old girl. A design-thinking approach was applied during the investigation to deeply understand the experiences and needs of stakeholders during 26 February to 20 March 2025 to identify appropriate leptospirosis prevention and control measures for the school-aged children.

Methods: A descriptive study, applying design thinking approach was conducted. The in-depth interviews were held with schoolchildren, parents, teachers, healthcare providers and community leaders. Thematic analysis was used to identify: (1) insights and needs of target population, (2) situation and problem contributing to livelihood, and (3) concerns of affected groups. Findings form the empathized process informed brainstorming and design of appropriate prevention and control measures for leptospirosis among schoolchildren.

Results: 24 stakeholders participated: 9 schoolchildren aged 10-14 years, 3 parents of children with leptospirosis infection, 3 parents of healthy children, 4 teachers, 5 healthcare providers and community leaders were included. The fatal suspected leptospirosis case was 12 year-old girl, who lived in a dormitory in Mae Jarim District, Nan Province. She developed fever, headache, dizzy, myalgia and fatigue on 1 August 2024. She visited hospitals for twice, was admitted, and died on 9 August 2024. Schoolchildren demonstrated limited awareness and low general knowledge of leptospirosis, its symptoms and risk factors. Many expressed fears of visiting healthcare providers and lack confidence in communication symptoms. They also prioritize social play and enjoyable group activities. Parents similarly had limited knowledge of the disease and insufficient engagement in children’s preventive behaviors. School played a key role in risk communication but lacked appropriate health-education tools. Healthcare providers had strong community networks but also lacked child-friendly education materials. The investigation identified a need for engaging, enjoyable and age-appropriate health-education tools or activities that promote symptom self-assessment, recognition of personal risk and confidence in communicating with healthcare providers.

Conclusion: The design-thinking approach strengthened the outbreak investigation by enabling deep understanding of the target population’s perspectives and unmet needs. Its holistic, human-center process supported the development of tailored prevention and control strategies for the schoolchildren, emphasizing engaging educational tools, symptom self-assessment and improve health-communication skills.