VA Innovation

January is International Quality of Life Month. Office of Advanced Manufacturing is improving Veterans’ lives with tools like adaptive sports devices and wheelchair solutions. We make what we cannot buy—because Veterans deserve to thrive. More: bit.ly/3VNpm6e

#SimLEARN's Assessment, Outreach & Collaboration team ran 9 emergency scenarios w/ 43 staff at Shoals VA Clinic. The new facility showed a strong safety culture, improving from 2022. Learn more about SimLEARN on: bit.ly/4aRAVio #VeteransCare #PatientSafety

The VHA Innovation Experience (iEX) 2024 conference in October celebrated VA employee innovators for their contributions to improving Veteran health care. Watch the awards ceremony here: youtube.com/watch?v=BaG3ff… #iEX2024

Since 1946, Paralyzed Veterans of America (@PVA1946) has empowered Veterans with spinal cord injuries to live with freedom and dignity. OAM shares that mission through assistive technology that restores independence.

In this week’s VHA IE newsletter: Celebrate Diffusion Marketplace’s 2024 success, meet the 2025 Fellows at January’s Exchange, explore Dr. Jay Gorman’s work on combating loneliness, and see how innovation improves accessibility for Veterans. Read more: bit.ly/4he8YVq

#SimLEARN leadership visited the new Fredericksburg Healthcare Clinic, where they engaged with 56 health care leaders to discuss facility activation and prepare for system testing. SimLEARN’s ACO team will begin System Hospital Activation testing in Feb 2025 for Phase 1 opening.

In October, VHA OHIL hosted Innovation Experience (iEX) in Chicago to discover how VA comes together to “Collaborate for Change” to improve Veteran care. Watch the recap video here: youtube.com/watch?v=Ym6xGk…

#SimLEARN will welcome over 50 @schsbulldogs students at National SimVET Center on Jan 16. Health care & tech program students will explore cutting-edge simulation facilities. Proud to partner with @Osceolaschools to inspire the next generation of health care innovators! #STEM

Adaptive tools like fishing rod holders or gaming joystick toppers don’t just solve problems—they bring Veterans back to the hobbies they love. Learn how VHA Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM) makes it possible: innovation.va.gov/oam/products/

Diffusion of Excellence’s Diffusion Talent Accelerator (DTA) training and mentorship program has been helping VISN and VA program office employees to strengthen their ability to replicate and scale innovative practices for the last two years. Read more: bit.ly/40s2kWa

In May, VA Nurse Milton Greenberg saved a drowning victim with CPR at a state park. "The muscle memory from the RQI program gave me the confidence to respond." This moment reflects #SimLEARN REdI's mission: readiness saves lives. Learn more: bit.ly/4aRAVio

US Air Force Veteran Shireta Jones regained independence through assistive tech from OAM. A patient specific ball cap clip helps her serve on the pickleball court with ease! Learn more: bit.ly/4fv9VYc

From assistive tech to 3D-printed solutions, OAM is committed to innovation and creating tools that empower Veterans. Every step forward brings more independence and possibilities. Facebook

Navy Veteran Brenda Guevara proves adaptability has no limits. With OAM’s 3D-printed Makeup Brush Holder, she’s empowered to keep doing what she loves. “People with disabilities can always keep up… You just have to find a way to adapt.” bit.ly/3BqwU8V

VA's Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning had a year filled with innovations, events, and programs designed to improve the quality of Veterans health care. We look forward to continuing to deliver on the mission in 2025! #HappyNewYear

Heroes Among Us: In November, VA nurse Shelle Olsen became the second recipient of SimLEARN's Bystander Turned Hero coin for saving a life with her REdI training during a summer camping trip. One of many inspiring stories from 2024! #VAHeroes #SimLEARN #CPRSavesLives #AED

VHA's Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM) provides personalized, advanced health care solutions for Veterans through 3D printing and innovative manufacturing. Learn more about OAM’s mission to transform care: bit.ly/3P2uJeJ

Looking back on 2024, SimLEARN celebrates VA Nurse Amanda Borchers, who saved a life mid-flight by using CPR & AED training. Her actions turned potential tragedy into hope and inspired us all. Honor her bravery, learn CPR & AED this holiday season. #SimLEARN #AreYouREdI?

In this week’s VHA IE newsletter: Celebrating 2024 Diffusion Summit successes, academic affiliations boosting innovation, SHRIMPS improving surgical safety, and Lori Murphy’s iEX Talk on turning “agitation” into innovation. Subscribe now: bit.ly/3VRrKd1

Pre-procedural models from VHA Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM) provide surgeons with highly accurate visualizations of complex anatomy. These models can enhance surgical precision, improve outcomes and reduce time in the operating room for Veterans. bit.ly/3VRZplQ