TRANSPORTATION - LA CLÍNICA EL ROSARIO
The Columbus School
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
looking back on our process
WHAT WERE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED?
We realized early on that we could never create a full-size project for the Hospital, we would have to create a sample prediction of the project for the hospital to see the basis of it all. Therefore, we had to figure out a way to create a route using the small amount of survey data we had. We did not have the data of where everyone in the hospital lived, therefore, it was a very basic route.
From the beginning, it was also known to us that we had to figure out a way to create this project without being associated with the hospital for it would create many legal problems. Our idea was to then create a transportation system that the workers themselves could control and the hospital would simply acknowledge but not officially offer.
Another issue what the divide in support from the hospital. The management was more reluctant with the idea while the nurses and workers themselves loved it. When we spoke to transportation companies, until they spoke to us in a meeting, they were very doubtful of the project and were unable to fully understand what we wanted to achieve.
An issue we realized well into the second week where the complicated schedules of those who work at hospitals. Hospitals work 24 hours, 7 days a week, therefore we had to figure out how to adopt a route that would be most effective for everyone.
Another challenge we faced was receiving information from the transportation company. We realized that some people need to constantly be pushed and pressured in order to get what we need. It took five days to get a simple estimated value of the costs.
WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS ALONG THE WAY?
Though not necessarily an achievement of effectiveness, we could tell from when we talked to the staff how this would seriously help them and it was an achievement for us to see it would create a positive effect.
From the initial reluctance from people, a personal achievement from our part was our ability to explain our idea successfully.
An achievement was towards the end when we were able to do everything we had planned to do and provide an actual plan for the hospital which ended up interesting them a lot more.
An achievement we had was getting things done. By going to things in person, things were done much faster than through constant calls and emails.
The ultimate achievement was seeing the impact we made in the hospital and the positive effect we left with the atmosphere. There was a sense of hope of actual change being made, therefore, we were very happy that we were able to create something that actually helped people and even changed the way people considered each other in the hospital.
We were glad to have gotten a positive result from our project and that so far the hospital is very interested in implementing it.
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE NOW ABOUT YOUR PROCESS?
Because we each had things for most of the second semester, I think we both would've liked to have started a lot earlier. In the end, things were pretty rushed and we think we could've gotten all of the data and created a real-life project which they could've immediately used had we asked legal a lot earlier and then we could've had access to all the data. We could've created something larger than just a sample.
We also realized towards the end the big issue about how the employees would pay the transportation company since the hospital can be associated at all. Therefore, we wish we had more time to have had a concrete plan. Instead, we provided the hospital with options, but nothing solid or that stood out as the best option.
HOW WERE THE CHALLENGES SOLVED?
The challenge of not having enough data was easily solved through communication with the hospital. We agreed that if this were to be accepted, they would hold a trial run for a few months where only about 100 (as initially calculated) would participate in. This took off some pressure and also had a more realistic outlook on the best possibility for the situation.
Another challenge was figuring out the different shifts and time tables for the employees. We talked to professionals from Bancolombia to find the easiest way and provided the hospital with a few options of how to solve the issue. Eventually, when we proposed the idea, the hospital agreed on one idea being the best and it was a simple fix to the problem. It was also a subtle way for the hospital to get involved without causing too much trouble, but in a way to show that they care and are willing to put in the effort. The option they most likely chose was to take the money off their salary (with authorized permission of the employee) so that the payment to the transportation company would be easier. However, they were very interest in a ticket idea we had, but we must first talk to the transportation company first to see if it a viable option.
The challenge of the transportation company taking so long was solved by actually going to their offices so as to demonstrate our intense interest and attention. Soon after they were able to give us the information we asked for.
HOW CAN YOU APPLY THIS LEARNING IN THE FUTURE? (INCLUDING YOUR CAREER)
The biggest thing we can take from this experience is to think of how others are experiencing their life, put ourselves in their shoes, and also how to pitch an idea. We knew during our initial pitch that we had to be clear and concise, and very well versed with all possible issues that the professionals we spoke with might ask. Therefore, a big take was knowing how to present ourselves and our ideas effectively.
Another example was thinking of different solutions to problems. The timetables and costs were the biggest issues, and through some brainstorming and communication, we were able to figure out a way to make both parties satisfied.
We can apply this learning by realizing the importance of not giving up. We called constantly to companies and people so as to make sure they did what we asked of them. We also realize that sometimes things are easier done in person than through emails and calls.
Another skill was realizing we can get advice from many people. When we were faced with the issue of the payments, we realized that instead of doing it alone, we could ask for help from someone who knows how financial accounts work and how to solve this issue. A key element was knowing that we can ask for help when we need to.
For our careers, we learned a lot about how to talk to people and have a business. During this project, we were businesswoman as we made deals and spoke with many people to create something bigger. We also learned how to sell the idea through marketing which isn't over yet. As the project continues we need to create brochures to attract employees to the idea and also the board to officially approve it.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE THE HOSPITAL AFTER YOU PITCHED THE PROPOSAL?
We think the hospital has learned a lot from this experience. A sense of unity over the idea has grown and people are very much excited about it. The management has certainly had their eyes open and is amazed at such a development that could make a significant impact on everyone's lives.
The only advice we would give is to keep trying to push this project and find other ideas that could be improved. When presenting they mentioned another problem they have concerning their ambulance system; this is just the beginning of what could be an avalanche of new projects that would improve the atmosphere of the hospital thus improving its image and results.
Their eyes have been opened to the possibilities of bettering the lives of the employees, not just the patients. We hope this is just the beginning.