Sensing: Explore the problem

This chapter provides a more in-depth look at the first phase of the Innovation Flow, Sensing. The Sensing phase of the Innovation Flow focuses on understanding entrepreneurship with an open mind and a willingness to explore problems and opportunities in the context of health care from as many perspectives as possible. The Sensing phase is when team members conduct a wide exploration of the topic. Rational analysis is combined with an intuitive and associative process of gathering insights. Sensing starts with curiosity. The health care system is riddled with pressure: pressure to cut budgets, time pressure to fit more patients and time pressure to cure as fast as possible. This leads to the need to quickly judge the facts of a situation, recognize patterns and define a solution or treatment. Health professionals are often consulted for their knowledge and experience.