ProgramsMasters In Science Clinical Operations (MSCO), Fall 2021ProjectsProcess Optimization for Organ Transplant, Recovery Teams, and Surg...

Project Title: Process Optimization for Organ Transplant, Recovery Teams, and Surgeons

LifeGift

Details
Project Title Process Optimization for Organ Transplant, Recovery Teams, and Surgeons
Project Topics Crisis and Disaster Management Data Management Operations Public Administration Purchasing, Logistics, Supply Chain Quality Control Research, Analysis, Evaluation
Skills & Expertise
Project Synopsis: Challenge/Opportunity
LifeGift is a leading organ procurement organization (OPO) serving Texas and beyond, partnering with over 200 hospitals across 109 counties. The organization plays a critical role in coordinating organ transplants and ensuring efficient processes in organ procurement and transplant logistics. However, there are key challenges affecting operational efficiency, including:

  • Visualization Gaps in tracking and managing organ donation and procurement processes.
  • Time Delays in scheduling and surgeon availability, leading to inefficiencies.
  • Transportation Failures that impact organ delivery and viability.
This project will focus on identifying, analyzing, and optimizing these processes through stakeholder interviews, data analysis, and strategic recommendations.
Project Synopsis: Activities/Actions Required
To address these challenges, students will focus on:

  1. Understanding the Organ Transplant & Donation Ecosystem
    • Research the terminology, best practices, and regulations in the industry.
    • Analyze the impact of existing policies (e.g., OPTN, AOPO) on transportation and procurement.

  2. Stakeholder Analysis & Discovery Interviews
    • Conduct interviews with key LifeGift personnel, including:
      • Strategic Leadership
      • Operations and Performance Improvement Teams
      • Organ Placement Center representatives
    • Gather qualitative insights on pain points and bottlenecks.

  3. Assessing Logistics & Time Delays
    • Evaluate scheduling inefficiencies and lost time in organ procurement.
    • Analyze transportation bottlenecks and alternative strategies to mitigate delays.

  4. Developing Optimization Strategies
    • Prioritize key focus areas for process improvements.
    • Identify technology or workflow solutions to enhance efficiency.
    • Propose frameworks for reducing surgeon time waste and improving decision-making.

  5. Building a Business Case & Implementation Roadmap
    • Quantify the cost savings and operational efficiencies from recommended changes.
    • Provide a clear roadmap for LifeGift to implement identified solutions.
    • Outline KPIs for tracking improvements in scheduling, transportation, and donor-recipient matching.
Project Synopsis: Expected Results
The success of this project will be determined by:

  • Identifying at least three actionable recommendations to improve process efficiencies.
  • Developing a business case with quantifiable metrics (e.g., reduction in delays, cost savings).
  • Providing a structured implementation plan with a timeline and key milestones.
  • Aligning recommendations with LifeGift’s mission and compliance requirements.

Project Timeline

Touchpoints & Assignments Date Type

Program Kickoff

 Oct 19 2021 Event

Program Managers

Name Organization
Kristen Beech Harvard University

Teams

Team Name  Project Name  Team Members 
No Teams Available