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Dr. Michael Kazior, a Physician in Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine at the Central Virginia VA Health Care System (CVHCS), identified a gap in defibrillator training for ACLS providers. In response, he collaborated with the IDEAS Center for Innovation at CVHCS to create an online defibrillator education module. The IDEAS Center is one of VHA Innovation Ecosystem's four National Centers for Innovation to Impact. Accelerated through the VHA Innovators Network Spark-Seed-Spread program, Dr. Kazior completed the first prototype in October 2023. The defibrillator simulation serves as an accessible online educational tool, guiding ACLS providers on the three main functions of a defibrillator: cardioversion, defibrillation, and pacing, along with proper pad placement. Dr. Kazior aims to inspire confidence in ACLS providers, emphasizing the tool's potential to enhance care quality for Veterans.
Innovation through Collaboration
In collaboration with the University of Florida’s Center for Safety, Simulation & Advanced Learning Technologies (CSSALT), Dr. Kazior developed the simulation based on specifications. Recognizing its broader educational benefit, he plans to transfer ownership to the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF), ensuring refinement and expansion for broader use. The Defibrillator Simulator is poised to become a core offering in APSF's Technology Education Initiative, accessible to a wider audience starting in 2025. This initiative highlights the VA's role as a Learning Health System leader, contributing innovative solutions beyond its facilities.
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 2023 John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Awards winners
The Eisenberg Awards recognizes premiere examples of individual, local, and national efforts to improve patient safety and health care quality. The program won the award for National Level Innovation in Patient Safety and Quality for its effectiveness in enabling clinicians to rapidly screen Veterans for frailty and its accessible implementation strategy for replicating to new VA facilities.
The Surgical Pause, a 2019 VHA Shark Tank Competition winner, uses a Risk Analysis Index to screen Veterans for frailty in 30 seconds and identify those at risk for negative surgical outcomes. The tool enables providers to propose treatment plans that effectively mitigate surgical risk and align with Veterans’ health goals.
Originally developed at Omaha VA Medical Center in 2011, the innovative program significantly reduces six-month mortality rates among frail Veterans from 25% to 8%. Surgical Pause is currently available at 42 VA facilities.
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In 2014, Larry Hillson, Environmental Management Service Chief at VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System, watched his housekeepers push their cleaning carts on their long, circuitous routes and envisioned a more efficient approach: a cart attachment that sweeps while they walk.
With a clear vision in mind, Larry sought out a mechanic at his facility and shared his goal to create an attachment for the carts that uses an easily-exchangeable, white cloth that gently glides along the floor, picking up dust and dirt. The mechanic, using some spare parts lying around the shop (drawer slide, squeegee, Velcro, angle iron), created a prototype. From there it grew.
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“With help from iNET, my sweeper attachment was installed in 11 other VA hospitals. And with help from the engineering team at the Cleveland VA, an injection molded plastic unit was built,” Larry described. Just this month, Larry received a U.S. patent on his innovation and a manufacturer was awarded to build the sweeper attachment, with orders now pending.
One VA employee said, “I’ve been using the sweeper attachment for a little over two years now and I love how easy and efficient it is. It’s amazing how much dust and debris it picks up just by pushing my cleaning cart through the hallways. Anything we can do at the VA hospital to make our Veteran’s experience better is a good thing!”
Larry attributes the success of his innovation to patience, a clear vision, and strong relationships. “I like the quote, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with a team.’ iNET is my team and we’re going far!”
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Physical Therapy Embedded Within PACT (PACT PT) facilitates readily accessible same-day care for Veterans referred to physical therapy with musculoskeletal, neurological, or pain complaints.
Originally developed in 2008 at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa, FL, PACT PT promotes an interdisciplinary care environment. Primary care providers and physical therapists work together to improve the efficiency of care for musculoskeletal cases.
A recent article by The American Legion highlights an interview with members of the PACT PT team; providing insight into the team’s unique model for extended care and rehabilitation, which has provided rapid treatment for over 37,000 Veterans in fiscal year 2024.
“This model has been proven to alleviate negative outcomes, improve physical therapy care, and reduce health care costs,” explained Chris Rowedder, physical therapist at Des Moines VA Medical Center, “When a Veteran comes in with a musculoskeletal issue, they often go through a gauntlet of testing and referrals before accessing physical therapy. Lack of timely access to high quality physical therapy results in poor clinical outcomes, increased health care utilization, and higher costs."
The program expands access to care by reducing wait time, providing convenient physical therapy for Veterans in rural areas, and freeing up significant time for primary care physicians. In 2024 alone, PACT PT provided care to over 12,400 Veterans living in rural and highly rural areas.
PACT PT, a 2020 VHA Shark Tank Competition winner, and National Diffusion Practice, currently operates at 114 VA facilities across the country, with another 88 adoptions in progress. To learn more about PACT PT, visit Diffusion Marketplace.
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