Using agile methods, in particular Scrum, to better manage and successfully complete projects

Introduction: To better manage and successfully complete projects, epidemiology researchers and public health practitioners could benefit from successful methods software developers have adopted to manage and deliver their products to market, such as agile methods. Agile or adaptive project management methods are more people than process oriented. They are flexible and easy to learn. The Louisiana Breast and Cervical Cancer Health Program (LBCHP) has successfully incorporated agile methods, especially Scrum, into its workflow to manage this statewide program. Methods: LBCHP, which serves low-income, uninsured women, began incorporating Scrum methods in 2006. Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, LBCHP staff realized that their program needed to shift to online data solutions and be agile to survive future disasters. LBCHP began using web-based project management software to keep track of data problems, and assign tasks to program provider staff. Problem backlog documentation moved online, and ‘trouble’ tasks were posted into projects. Creating milestones or sprints, and assigning tasks to each sprint provided a workable deadline for each project task. Connecting and synchronizing burn down charts to each project showed how much work remained in the current sprint’s backlog. These charts visualized the project’s progress with the problem backlog. To ensure minimal downtime, the program provided access to web-based meetings between central office and provider staff about issues that could lead to project delays. Results: Since introducing parts of Scrum methodology, LBCHP has met standards in all 11 core areas in three of the last five data submissions to CDC, and in the other two, only one indicator fell below standards. While the number of people served by the program has doubled since the program began using agile methods, LBCHP has been able to preserve data quality without increasing staff.