How can Clipboard Health improve its shift matching algorithm to reduce unfilled shifts for healthcare facilities?

Introduction

To improve Clipboard Health's shift matching algorithm and reduce unfilled shifts for healthcare facilities, we need to take a comprehensive look at the current system, user behavior, and market dynamics. I'll analyze the problem from multiple angles, identify key pain points, and propose data-driven solutions to optimize the matching process.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (5 mins)

• Looking at the product context, I'm thinking Clipboard Health might be facing challenges in balancing supply and demand. Could you share more about the current ratio of healthcare professionals to available shifts, and how this has changed over time?

Why it matters: Helps determine if the problem is more supply-side or demand-side oriented. Expected answer: There's an increasing imbalance, with more unfilled shifts than available healthcare professionals. Impact on approach: Would focus on strategies to attract more healthcare professionals or optimize existing workforce utilization.

• Considering user behavior, I'm curious about the engagement patterns of healthcare professionals on the platform. What's the average response time to shift notifications, and how does this vary across different types of shifts or facilities?

Why it matters: Identifies potential bottlenecks in the current matching process. Expected answer: Response times vary widely, with some shifts filled quickly while others remain open for extended periods. Impact on approach: Would prioritize improving notification systems or incentivizing quick responses for hard-to-fill shifts.

• Examining the product lifecycle, where does Clipboard Health currently stand in terms of market penetration and growth trajectory? Are we looking at rapid expansion or focusing on optimizing our existing user base?

Why it matters: Determines whether to prioritize user acquisition or retention strategies. Expected answer: Moderate growth phase with increasing competition in the market. Impact on approach: Would balance between attracting new users and improving the experience for existing ones to reduce churn.

• Considering external factors, how has the recent surge in healthcare demand affected the platform's performance? Are there specific types of shifts or specialties that are particularly challenging to fill?

Why it matters: Helps identify niche areas that might require specialized attention in the algorithm. Expected answer: Increased demand across the board, with critical care and specialized roles being the hardest to fill. Impact on approach: Would focus on developing targeted strategies for high-demand, hard-to-fill positions.