In this year’s case competition, the students were tasked with presenting, via Zoom, “an innovative strategy, a novel idea, scientific achievement or delivery methodology” happening in Philadelphia. The first step was to research and develop an abstract of no more than 500 words, and the teams who created the top abstracts were selected to move on to the next round, an oral presentation delivered to a judging panel.
The Lehigh team’s presentation was entitled "BAYADA’s Home Intensive Care Unit (HICU®) Program: A Ticket Home.” According to Keefe, the team discussed the BAYADA’s Home Intensive Care Unit (HICU) program, highlighting how this program helps pediatric patients transition from the Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (NICU/PICU) to the home environment. “The high-acuity care provided in the pediatric patient’s home reduces readmission rates, lowers costs and reunites families sooner,” she explained.
Xinliang (Albert) Liu, associate professor and associate chair in the COH’s department of population health, mentored the students throughout the process. Liu shared that the judges showed great interest in BAYADA’s innovative intensive care delivery model and specifically complimented the team’s storytelling ability. He was most impressed by the courage that Keefe and Donatelli demonstrated to put themselves out there during the competition.
“They took a chance in themselves to join an uncertain, high-pressure contest,” he said. “Over two months, they pushed themselves, sought feedback and kept refining their ideas, all while balancing demanding coursework. Winning first place is not a serendipity, but a reflection of their bravery, talent and persistence.”
Donatelli shared that winning first place felt surreal and was a great end to her Master’s career at Lehigh.
“I am truly so proud of all the hard work, time and dedication that we devoted to the project, as well as our faculty advisor, Dr. Liu,” she said. “None of this would have been possible without the guidance and support from the entire COH faculty, who were able to listen to our presentation and provide feedback. It truly is a testament to how amazing the MPH program at Lehigh is and how supportive our faculty are.”
Keefe added that participating in the case competition gave her more knowledge and understanding of the healthcare space. “Being able to present to a panel of judges who work in the field I hope to join was an amazing experience. I chose to attend the College of Health because I want to help others and be a part of improving health outcomes.”
The COH recently launched a graduate certificate in healthcare management, with a focus on policy, operations, finances, and data analytics, preparing students to launch successful careers in this space. Student participation in the ACHE competition, along with the recent Seton Hall University Healthcare Management Case Study Challenge, offers valuable real-world experience in healthcare management that complements classroom learning.
