A Methodical Method for Determining Research Areas in Heart Disease Based on the Eight Dimensional Methodology for Innovative Problem Solving

摘要

This paper describes a method of teaching individuals to systematically look at a problem and then discover research directions in bioengineering and science. The use of a previously-developed engineering problem-solving method - the Eight Dimensional (8D) Methodology for Innovative Problem Solving - coupled with scientific knowledge can aid in the development of novel solutions. The 8D Methodology is a method that uses eight major categories to direct the search for solutions to problems. In the use of science, this paper presents the novel use of this methodology to seek out more specific solutions. This paper investigates the feasibility of this methodology when applied by an individual to the problem of heart disease, a serious problem throughout the world despite the fact that there are already many treatments available. One way to increase the number of treatments is to introduce a systematic method for developing research directions. Applying this process involves seeking out and categorizing current solutions and then using this problem solving method to develop novel solutions. A brief introduction to the 8D Methodology is given in this paper with discussion on how this method can be adapted for training scientists and engineers to use this tool in medicine. As an example of the use, the problems of heart disease are categorized to clearly see the many ways that a patient's life is affected. Next, current solutions for both prevention and treatments are then categorized as well. Finally, the methodology is used to generate several novel directions for research.