Michaela Bonnett1, Meaghan Kennedy1, Sophie Becker1, and Odiraa Okala1

1Orange Sparkle Ball

Series: Georgia public health association 2024

Article #1

Original Publication Date: May 2nd, 2024

Publisher: Orange Sparkle Ball

Abstract

Brief Description
Innovative methods need to be integrated into public health thinking to accelerate change, a belief that led to the creation of our public health innovation cohorts. 11 participants were taught new ways of approaching problems and how to test with pilots. Thematic and network analysis of interviews, along with a 2-year follow-up, revealed an enduring shift in approach to problem-solving within their work.
Background
Public health tends to be siloed and reactive in solving new and existing problems. Innovation and the development of novel approaches requires cross-sectoral collaboration and thinking. The intentional development of new ideas and actionable programs is key to responding to emerging challenges. Immersive Innovation Labs is a guided approach to innovation focused on multidisciplinary collaboration and the creation of actionable solutions.
Methods
11 public health professionals and 12 student coaches participated in a 10-day Public Health Innovation Summit. Collaborative learning sessions, research, and guided innovation sessions were accompanied by interviews to gauge participant’s knowledge about and attitudes toward developing and implementing innovative solutions within the public health field. Interviews were analyzed for common themes using AI and influential concepts were identified using network analysis software. Follow-up interviews were conducted with participants and coaches 2 years later to determine the impact that the innovation training had on their careers and approach to problem-solving.
Results
Participants of the summit developed 11 pilot programs. 28 interviews and a post-summit feedback session revealed a shift in topical focus by betweenness centrality. Prior to the summit, participants focused on public health programming and actions (top 43% most influential nodes). After completing the innovation summit, participants shifted focus away from public health (top 6% most influential nodes) to the impact these techniques would have in their workplace, the creative approaches to problem-solving, and the new connections made during the summit.
Conclusion
Immersive Innovative Labs is an effective methodology for reframing the approach public health professionals have to solve new and existing problems. Guided coaching and cross-sectoral collaboration lead to innovation, producing new approaches and ideas. This technique has been effective in shaping mindsets beyond the session and has meaningfully impacted the careers of participants.

Full Article

Citation List

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