Subject category:
Knowledge, Information and Communication Systems Management
Published by:
Harvard Medical School, Center for Primary Care
Version: January 2018
Length: 15 pages
Data source: Field research
Abstract
This case recounts the founding and current challenges faced by CareMessage, a non-profit organization focused on utilizing text messaging to deliver patient services and health education to low income patients. It follows co-founders Vineet Singal and Cecilia Corral as they navigate the world of start-ups and social entrepreneurship in order to realize their vision of empowering patients at community clinics by eliminating barriers to communication between the provider and their patients. But with their ultimate vision of delivering CareMessage to the mobile device of every vulnerable patient in the world, Singal and Corral knew that they first have to prove their solution, and organization, is scalable. Their first five years as an organization was marked by rapid growth and they have now reached a size that necessitates a middle management structure to oversee daily operations. Previously they were focused on developing additional content for their health education programs, but as they grow to meet the rising demand of a larger customer base they must decide to focus on refining their offerings or continuing to put resource into the development of additional programs. In additional to grappling with these critical decisions, as a mission driven non-profit, CareMessage must ensure that their vision of scaling their services doesn't detract from their original mission to empower vulnerable patients.
Location:
Industries:
Size:
50 employees
Other setting(s):
Urban
About
Abstract
This case recounts the founding and current challenges faced by CareMessage, a non-profit organization focused on utilizing text messaging to deliver patient services and health education to low income patients. It follows co-founders Vineet Singal and Cecilia Corral as they navigate the world of start-ups and social entrepreneurship in order to realize their vision of empowering patients at community clinics by eliminating barriers to communication between the provider and their patients. But with their ultimate vision of delivering CareMessage to the mobile device of every vulnerable patient in the world, Singal and Corral knew that they first have to prove their solution, and organization, is scalable. Their first five years as an organization was marked by rapid growth and they have now reached a size that necessitates a middle management structure to oversee daily operations. Previously they were focused on developing additional content for their health education programs, but as they grow to meet the rising demand of a larger customer base they must decide to focus on refining their offerings or continuing to put resource into the development of additional programs. In additional to grappling with these critical decisions, as a mission driven non-profit, CareMessage must ensure that their vision of scaling their services doesn't detract from their original mission to empower vulnerable patients.
Settings
Location:
Industries:
Size:
50 employees
Other setting(s):
Urban