Project Development
Project Development - What are we talking about?
Ultimately the content of this page will not be anything new but does describe the practicalities of how to navigate the challenges of project development and management. The content of this page is a reflection of our experiences and how to work towards successful implementation.
A lot of projects get started with the best of intentions and good ideas but the foundation upon which they are conceived may have limitations. Often the driving forces behind them may not be able to maintain the momentum to capitalise on their short term successes.
Ideas
Everyone has ideas, and most of them are pretty good but don't have significant capacity to carry through beyond the initial conception stage due to planning limitations. To that end it is worth looking at your idea critically to determine:
Target audience - who are you aiming at and how many of them can you accomodate?
What is the aim of your project? - does it meet specific outcomes such as a key part of a curriculum or standard
How does it play out? - imagine you are actually delivering it? what do you need to succeed? (Faculty, venue, catering, IT infrastructure, administration, resources, preparatory time)
Especially when dealing with equipment there has to be a consideration of storage, management, maintenance, security and infection prevention.
Pilot Development & Outcomes
Once you have an idea in place; running a pilot is key. This will be a proof of concept and allow you learn valuable lessons to take forward. Having some clear outcomes is key. Ultimately for many projects in this sphere positive engagement and learner/faculty confidence are important in addition to other more traditional metrics.
Scalability & Sustainability
These two words come after a successful pilot. If the pilot project goes well how can it be scaled up?
The scaling process could involve increasing the volume of attendees at an event, or running the event more frequently. Also consider the standard operating procedures you've developed and if they can be translated to other groups e.g. neuroanatomy teaching in neurosurgery may translate well to neurology and other health care professionals.
The wider your pilot can be translated and applied the chances of sustainability increase. Economically the efficient use of resources for multiple groups will increase the cost effectiveness of the project
What to do next?
If you have an idea that involves digital technology and simulation and you wish to seek advice, collaboration or support, get in touch!
usman.ahmed@hee.nhs.uk (Digital & Simulation lead - Midlands)