CHEST: American College of Chest Physicians

Digital Transformation

The Overview

The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) is a not-for-profit medical society representing nearly 19,000 members across more than 100 countries. These members include specialists in pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, as well as thoracic surgery and related disciplines. CHEST partnered with .orgSource to address critical challenges in its digital infrastructure, including a full website redesign, system integration, and improved member engagement. 

The challenge

By 2009, CHEST faced growing dissatisfaction with its website and digital systems: 

  • Dated Website Design: Members found the site visually outdated and difficult to navigate, with critical resources hard to locate. 
  • Inefficient Backend Systems: Staff struggled with content workflows and found the site challenging to maintain. 
  • Fragmented Technology: CHEST’s broader technology infrastructure, including its Learning Management System (LMS), Association Management System (AMS), and financial systems, needed an overhaul. 
  • Member Needs: Feedback from members highlighted a demand for robust educational content, efficient search tools, and enhanced opportunities for networking and collaboration.

The Solution

CHEST turned to .orgSource for expert guidance at every stage of its digital transformation.
 

Discovery Phase 

  • Membership Surveys: Nearly 5,000 members participated in an electronic survey to share their preferences for the new website’s design, content, and functionality. 
  • Stakeholder Interviews: .orgSource conducted in-depth telephone interviews with board members, committee chairs, and both long-term and newer members to gather comprehensive feedback. 
  • Competitive Analysis: .orgSource performed a competitive analysis of other websites serving pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine professionals to identify best practices.
     

This phase revealed a clear member preference for a resource-rich website with robust educational tools, effective search functionality, and integrated networking features.
 

Strategic Planning 

  • Developed an information and technology plan to provide a strategic foundation for the new website. 
  • Established a framework for designing and implementing critical system updates, ensuring alignment with member needs and organizational goals.
     

System Integration and Design
In 2012, CHEST implemented major system updates and integrations: 

  • Enterprise Content Management: Improved content organization and workflows. 
  • Learning Management and Collaboration Systems: Enhanced educational and networking opportunities for members. 
  • Publications Platform and Taxonomy: Supported multifaceted search features for seamless content discovery.
     

Website Redesign 

Using a card sort exercise, .orgSource collaborated with CHEST members and staff to design an intuitive content structure. This informed the creation of a user-friendly website that launched in February 2013.
 

The Results

CHEST’s new website delivered transformative improvements, enhancing both member engagement and operational efficiency.
 

Key Features and Outcomes: 

  • Modernized Home Page: Updated design with easy access to important links and fresh content. 
  • Enhanced Navigation: A streamlined menu system enables users to quickly locate resources. 
  • Advanced Search Functionality: Multifaceted filters provide relevant results across CHEST’s content, including peer-reviewed journal articles. 
  • Expanded Educational Content: New and growing resources include event details, e-learning opportunities, and clinical guidelines. 
  • Interactive Opportunities: E-communities (NetWorks) and social media integration allow members to connect and share information. 
  • Mobile Optimization: The website is fully accessible on smartphone browsers, ensuring members can access resources on the go. 
  • Multimedia Integration: Increased use of videos and other multimedia formats for engaging educational content. 
  • Dynamic News Updates: Expanded sections for healthcare news, CHEST updates, and blogs by CHEST thought leaders. 

 “CHEST’s digital transformation has elevated the value we deliver to our members. The expertise of .orgSource was instrumental in turning our vision into a reality, and the result is a website that serves as an indispensable tool for our global community.”
— CHEST Leadership Team 

Key Takeways

  • Comprehensive Discovery: Engaging members and stakeholders ensure digital projects are aligned with user needs. 
  • Strategic Technology Planning: Establishing a solid framework for system updates and integrations is critical to success. 
  • Enhanced Member Engagement: A modern, resource-rich website drives satisfaction and value for association members.

Are You Ready to Elevate Your Association to New Heights with a Future-Ready Partner?

Contact .orgSource today to learn how they can help you unlock growth, build resilience, and achieve excellence for your organization.