Graduation Project for Amsterdam University Medical Centres
(Amsterdam UMC)

The Challenge

In my graduation project, the initial challenge was to improve the information provision towards parents at the new neonatology department of the merging hospitals VUmc and AMC. However, while starting the project it appeared that some years ago research had been done into the information provision and an application had been created to improve information provision towards parents. Discussing with the merger project leader, nurses and doctors, there was a need of a clear overview on the shared corporate vision and how the department is getting there. What would be the road towards the future in the times of change and uncertainty for the merging departments?

The outcome

I created a shared corporate vision by doing cocreation sessions with doctors, management, nurses, nutrition assistants and care supporters of both hospitals. With all the input collected, my own future foresight research (trends and developments) and in line and the hospital vision, I created one shared vision for the merged neonatology department. From this vision, I created a map of planned change for the coming years and an innovation roadmap. The vision is currently being used as the new department (corporate) vision.

Replies from the Amsterdam UMC

Nurse: ‘It is a present for our department, thank you.‘
Subhead of neonatology: ‘First I was somewhat skeptical, but it is great how you made this work.‘

Design Thinking, Strategic Foresight, Corporate vision, Change Management, Patient Experience, Employee Experience, Experience Roadmapping, Service Design

Follow-up project (work)

Shared vision for the Obstetrics department

As a result of my graduation project, I was asked to also facilitate the creation of a shared vision and core values for the merging Obstetrics departments of the Amsterdam UMC. As the corona pandemic started in March 2020, suddenly all meetings had to be organised online. As though it was difficult in the beginning, the project was given enough importance to proceed. Input of 45 persons (management, doctors, nurses, obstetricians of both hospitals) had been gathered through interviews and online sessions. Also a booklet with explanation of the vision and core values had been created.

Replies from the Amsterdam UMC:
Project lead: “It is very good! It looks great, and also the content is very well thought-out. Thanks a lot for helping in creating a shared vision and putting that into words. Really an achievement in this special times and with this group.”