The Research, Engagement and Applied Consulting in Healthcare (REACH) program is designed to maximize the strategic value delivered to the partner organization while providing graduate students with a structured, mentored opportunity to apply consulting methodologies in real-world healthcare settings.
Overview
Through this engagement, partner organizations gain data-driven strategic insights while playing a vital role in mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders. Moreover, students gain practical experience in managing real-world consulting projects, strengthening their analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. The REACH program ensures that organizational needs are effectively addressed throughout the project lifecycle by aligning with the partner’s perspective and the organization’s objectives.
Project framework
1. Project Initiation
- During the Summer between May and early August, a partner submits an application form to the REACH program via the application platform.
- A program director (“Dr. Jo”) will review the application and schedule a meeting with the potential partner to discuss needs and assess qualifications. Additionally, both will thoroughly discuss goals and desired outcomes.
- If the application aligns with REACH’s scope, the faculty and partner formalize the agreement by signing a contract.
- The student consultant will be assigned when the project starts.
- During this meeting, the partner is expected to provide all necessary data access information and IRB information required to initiate and advance the project. Any restrictions or conditions regarding data use should be clearly communicated in advance to ensure compliance and facilitate an effective workflow.
2. Timeline and Milestones
Duration: The consulting typically spans 6-12 months with regular meetings. The timeline is flexible and can be adjusted based on the urgency and the complexity of the challenge.
Key Checkpoints:
- Kick-off meeting to align on objectives and methodology
- Bi-weekly progress reviews to keep a partner informed and involved
- Mid-point recalibration to ensure we’re on track with the partner’s expectations
- Final presentation of findings and recommendations or final outcomes
- Pre-work (Before Week 1): Kick-off meeting including introductions and a short orientation with a program director and the partner.
- A comprehensive study protocol, outlining data sources, methodologies, and expected outcomes, will be developed following the kick-off meeting and submitted to Dr. Jo for review.
- Research Prep (Months 1-2): Develop research design and analytical plan, including identifying variables and statistical models.
- Data Analysis (Months 3-end): Conduct the data analysis and refine the statistical models as needed.
- Regular communication will be maintained with the partner through regular meetings to provide ongoing updates on findings.
- At the mid-point of the project timeline, the REACH team will provide the descriptive data findings.
- Final Output (Last Two Months): Deliver a manuscript or abstract that will be ready for submission.
3. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
- Stakeholder Engagement: The partner will introduce key stakeholders to the REACH team if needed.
- Communication and reporting
- Bi-weekly check-ins with the partner to review progress and recalibrate as needed.
- Feedback Loop: Regular opportunities for the partner to provide feedback through weekly meetings.
4. Data Access and Security
- A partner’s assistance in providing necessary data and facilitating internal interviews will be crucial for the analysis. The data accessibility will be reviewed by the partner and the faculty advisor in the pre-work week.
- The REACH team will save the data and conduct the analysis using the encrypted institutional server for enhanced security. Deliverables will be stored in a UF-secured folder (e.g., UF OneDrive or UF Dropbox), accessible only through a UF account.
5. Confidentiality and IP Protection
- Both the partner and the team will strictly adhere to non-disclosure agreements before the beginning of the project. They are required to submit the confidentiality and IP protection form to Dr. Jo.
- All project outputs will be your intellectual property
6. Post-Project Debrief
- The faculty advisor will have a debriefing meeting to collect the feedback from the REACH team and the partner, respectively.