Innovating Emergency Medicine: Generative AI, Narrative Medicine, and Human-Centered Design

Background: Emergency medicine in resource-limited settings faces a growing burden of disease and disability. This article presents the "Create to Innovate" (C2i) masterclass, built using Human-Centered Design Thinking (HCDT). It explores narrative medicine through AI-generated storytelling. The study aimed to assess (1) how generative AI contributes to emergency medicine innovation and (2) its impact on participants' emotional engagement. Methods: The C2i masterclasses were held in Karachi, Pakistan (December 2023) and Lagos, Nigeria (March 2024). This study used an explanatory mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data from a post-intervention 'MoodBoard' survey and qualitative data from AI-generated children's stories. The total sample size was 60 participants. The quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and a two-sample t-test comparing responses between the Karachi and Lagos cohorts. Results: The study included 22 participants in Karachi and 38 in Lagos. The MoodBoard visual analog scale revealed a significant difference in the mean scores between the two cohorts (Karachi: 3.74 vs. Lagos: 3.96, p < 0.05, CI: -0.42 to -0.01). The AI-generated stories revealed themes of prosocial behavior, resourcefulness, and health awareness. Conclusion: The masterclass achieved its goal of fostering innovative solutions through storytelling. The MoodBoard survey highlighted its effectiveness and enjoyment. The imaginative stories offered educational insights into healthcare challenges, highlighting their potential for broader applications in healthcare education and professional training.