|
|
|
Share this email with your colleagues to make sure they get the latest VHA IE news: SUBSCRIBE
|
|
|
The Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy recently published a video featuring a panel discussion including Dr. Ashley Cassel and Dr. Evan Kelley from 2020 VHA Shark Tank winner Physical Therapy Embedded in Patient Aligned Care Teams (PACT PT). The discussion touched on a range of topics, from the evolving role of physical therapy in primary care, to differential diagnosis questions on board exams, and how physical therapists can thrive in settings like urgent care and at VA.
PACT PT was also spotlighted in a recent article from the American Physical Therapy Association. Featuring interviews with the innovation team and Veterans whose lives have been impacted by PACT PT, the article describes the key components to the practice’s progress in national expansion to all VA facilities.
Originally developed in 2008 at James A. Haley Veteran’s Hospital in Tampa, FL, PACT PT’s unique model for extended care and rehabilitation has provided rapid treatment for over 37,000 Veterans in fiscal year 2024. To learn more about PACT PT and its national impact, visit Diffusion Marketplace.
This month, Dr. Indra Sandal, Chief of Innovation at James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital and Clinics in Tampa, FL, joined American Legion’s Tango Alpha Lima podcast to share her story and discuss her work in improving health care access for Veterans. In it, she highlights programs like Uber Health Connect, which helps Veterans overcome transportation barriers by providing rides to medical appointments, reducing missed appointments, and improving the overall care experience.
With a background in research and a personal connection to military life, Dr. Sandal brings a unique perspective to her work. She discusses how public-private collaborations and emerging technologies are being leveraged to address some of VA’s most pressing challenges, including suicide prevention and improving access to care. These initiatives reflect a commitment to finding innovative ways to support Veterans and ensure they have the resources needed for healthier lives.
You can listen to the podcast in full here.
At this year’s VHA Innovation Experience (iEX) in Chicago, IL, the Innovators Network (iNET) highlighted three VA employees whose outstanding passion and dedication have made a tangible impact on Veterans, caregivers, and the VA community.
Jamie Key, Innovation Specialist from Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center, was honored with the Innovation Specialist of the Year award for facilitating collaborations between VA and external innovators through the Greenhouse Program. Key's leadership has driven steady growth in Tuscaloosa’s innovation program, allowing it to achieve its highest number of investees so far.
The 2024 Investee of the Year award was presented to Aide Zamora of Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System. Zamora's time in the Spark-Seed-Spread Investment and Accelerator program served as a catalyst for her project implementing a fleet reservation system for clinical service lines; effectively increasing the ability of physicians within her facility to reach patients and expanding Veterans’ access to care.
Finally, the 2024 Tanked Award was presented to Danielle Estes of Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. This award, presented to Estes for her instrumental role in advancing infection prevention strategies locally, celebrates the perseverance of VA employees and their ability to pivot and adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities.
To learn more about the 2024 iNET Awards and the winners, read more on VA Insider.
|
Join us next week for the December edition of The Exchange. The month’s topic is Academic Affiliations at VA. The Exchange will be December 19, 2024 at 3:00p.m. ET. Moderated by VA Augusta Health Care System Innovation Specialist Kelsey Shull, this installment will feature panelists from the Office of Academic Affiliations and experts from across VA.
This session will feature a dynamic panel discussion with leaders and innovators sharing insights on VA’s collaborations with academic institutions, exploring how academic affiliations elevate VA initiatives, research, and care delivery for Veterans.
Engage and learn—our panelists will discuss their experiences, challenges, and successes in fostering academic collaborations. Discover how these initiatives drive innovation, improve care, and shape the future of Veteran health care.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, share ideas, and be inspired!
|
|
Kelly Buckholdt began noticing something at the G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center when she was a Staff Psychologist: long Veteran wait times in the emergency room for mental health concerns that may not be emergencies. She asked herself the question: “Why are Veterans going there when we have other access points that are better for meeting their needs?”
Through research, observations, and interviews, she identified the major issue: lack of clarity around mental health services and access points. Here is where her innovation journey sparked. With support from Innovators Network, Kelly went through every stage of their Spark-Seed-Spread Innovation Investment Program, the first person to go through all three, to develop a Universal Symbol for Mental Health.
“This symbol serves as a visual cue that indicates a person or place that can help a Veteran on their path to access mental health services and ultimately, to recovery.” Over the course of eight years, she’s adapted this innovation to grow in telehealth and connect with colleagues across the VA network. Now serving as a Program Manager, Kelly is working to advance this effort to improve access to care. “We know from feedback during the investment period that it will work when supported."
Her work has received feedback from Veterans and VA employees across the system. “It is a pleasure to work with Kelly Buckholdt,” said Talvea Seawood, Buckholdt’s Innovation Specialist at Jackson VA. “She is what I would like to call the “OG” of the Spark, Seed, Spread investment program... I look forward to continuously working with her to spread her innovation of improved mental health access for Veterans.”
Of her work, one Veteran said that “It’s an invitation. It says it’s ok to talk about mental health.” Another said, “it reduces stigma. That’s the main message.” Members of her Spark team also have noticed the change since the innovation. “One of the biggest things the project did was break down silos by… bringing everyone to the table.”
As the first VA employee to go through each stage of the Spark-Seed-Spread program, Kelly knows the value of long-term commitment to innovation. “Sometimes an innovation is the right thing to do but it’s not the right time – so sticking with [innovation] as the system has moved towards what it’s meant to do has been encouraging.”
|
|
|
The dynamic bed count combines elements of both the P/N ratio and nursing hours per patient day (NHPPD), offering hourly updates on staffing needs. It considers patient acuity, admissions, discharges, and the qualifications of nursing staff. By providing real-time insights, this tool allows nursing supervisors to make informed decisions about staffing adjustments.
The study found that the dynamic bed count was more accurate. For example, in one hospital unit, it suggested nurses should care for fewer patients than the P/N ratio recommended. This helps avoid overloading nurses and ensures patients get the attention they need.
This new method could improve patient care, reduce stress for nurses, and make staffing decisions easier. Learn more about this study at JMIR Nursing.
|
|
|
|
|
|
