Friday feature - Natalie Graham

Natalie Graham has been with IPC Health for two and a half years as a physiotherapist however she jumped at the change to submit an idea for our staff led Innovation Challenge.

We talked to Nat about her day job, how the pandemic has affected her service delivery and just what an Innovation Challenge is.

What’s the best part about being a physiotherapist at IPC Health?

It’s got to be seeing clients achieving their goals. The gradual process of clients becoming more confident with managing their health and overcoming those obstacles that stopped them living full and happy lives.

How has the pandemic impacted your daily work?

We’ve had to change a lot! The pandemic has opened a whole lot more opportunities as well as challenges. The challenges have been the difficulty of working over telehealth and remotely, especially as a physio. But then on the other hand it’s been amazing to see how adaptable people are, starting exercise groups online and using zoom for one-on-one consults with clients.

I have also had the chance to complete two innovation challenges and working in the COVID-19 testing clinics for the last 18 months. There has been a lot more variety in my work over the last 18 months.

Why did you put your hand up to be on the IPC Health Innovation & Growth Panel and what does it do?

I put my hand up for the panel after I had such a great experience in the first innovation challenge. I saw it as an opportunity to build my experience in innovation and highlight the experience of clinicians working in IPC Health. The panel looks at new opportunities and assesses whether the organisation should apply for grants and new opportunities. Being on the panel has opened my eyes to the business side of the organisation that allows clinicians to help the clients we see.

What’s an Innovation Challenge and which ones have you been involved in?

An innovation challenge starts with a “what if” statement and goes through a process of a design sprint to explore different potential answers to that what if question. I have been involved in the Power Over Pain innovation project as a team member and the Digital Health innovation project as an Idea Lead.

Why did you pitch an idea? What’s it all about?

I pitched my idea for Digital Health Coaching during the Shark Tank Pitch Process. I pitched the idea because I spoke to clients on our waitlist who just couldn’t attend a clinic for a traditional appointment due to job or family commitments. I was interested in exploring how digital health could open up how we deliver healthcare to our community. I firstly submitted the written idea which was successful at reaching the pitch stage where I presented over Zoom to a panel. The pitch was granted a $70,000 innovation challenge which we completed in June and were successful at receiving funding to continue with a further pilot stage for the project.

What did you learn from the Innovation Challenges?

So much! Innovation is such a different way of thinking. I think the biggest thing I’ve learnt is being comfortable with uncertainty and not having all the answers.

What would you say to others thinking about getting involved in workplace innovation?

Just give it a try! If you’re one of those people who says, “I wish we could do that better” or, “What if we could/did do that?” or, “There’s got to be a different way,” then you should give it a go. There’s so many different ways to get involved in innovation.