The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to many sectors, including healthcare and fundraising. At the University of Pittsburgh, the Neurosurgery Department faced a unique hurdle: how to maintain engagement with donors and patients when in-person interactions were no longer possible. This blog post highlights the innovative solutions developed by the department in collaboration with Pitt Digital to overcome these challenges.
The Challenge of Remote Engagement
As the pandemic unfolded, the ability to meet face-to-face with patients and donors vanished almost overnight. One team member recalls, "One of the most important things that we have as fundraisers is to be able to get in front of patients. When the pandemic happened, that all went away." The need for a new way to connect was clear, and the idea of using video to reach out to donors and patients was born.
A Rapid Response
The urgency of the situation required quick thinking and rapid execution. After pitching the idea to Dr. Robert Friedlander, Chair of Neurosurgery, it was decided that a live video would be produced. "I pitched this to him and he said, 'that's great... let's go live Thursday.'" Despite the tight timeline, the team sprang into action, with the next call going to Jim Bowman, the head of IT.
Bowman and his team came up with a solution using Microsoft Teams, which offered robust production capabilities. They also utilized a tool called BeyondTrust, which allowed them to work virtually side by side, providing quick real-time responses before, during, and after the production.
The Power of Collaboration and Technology
The first live stream went live on a Friday afternoon, just days after the initial idea was pitched. The event was a resounding success, with around 400 donors and patients joining online. As word spread, the audience continued to grow, leading to substantial donations that might not have been possible without this innovative approach.
Reflecting on the success, a team member noted, "To think about the amount of people that we were able to touch, tens of thousands of people really at this point, I couldn't even wrap my head around it."
Key Takeaways
- Rapid Adaptation: The quick pivot to a virtual format demonstrated the team's ability to adapt rapidly to changing circumstances. By leveraging existing technology, they were able to maintain engagement with key stakeholders despite the physical restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
- Effective Tools: Utilizing Microsoft Teams for production and BeyondTrust for real-time collaboration proved to be effective tools in executing the live streams smoothly and professionally.
- Extended Reach: The virtual format not only maintained but extended the reach of their communications, engaging a larger audience than might have been possible with in-person meetings alone.
- Continued Support: The success of the live streams translated into significant financial support for the university, showcasing the importance of maintaining donor and patient engagement even in challenging times.
A Testament to World-Class Support
The success of this initiative underscores the exceptional support provided by Pitt Digital. "So when you're dealing with a world-class institution like Pitt, you know you're dealing with world-class people and they deserve world-class support," remarked a team member. The collaboration between the Neurosurgery Department and Pitt Digital exemplifies how innovative solutions and dedicated support can overcome even the most daunting challenges.
In conclusion, the University of Pittsburgh's experience during the pandemic highlights the power of technology and collaboration in maintaining critical connections. By thinking creatively and acting swiftly, the Neurosurgery Department and Pitt Digital not only preserved but enhanced their engagement with donors and patients, ensuring continued support for their vital work. let me know.
