VA Innovation

January is International Quality of Life Month—a time to focus on what truly matters: independence, well-being, and daily dignity.

At the VHA Office of Advanced Manufacturing (OAM), we’re improving Veterans’ quality of life with innovative tools like 3D-printed writing splints, adaptive sports devices, and wheelchair accessories. Each solution helps Veterans overcome challenges and reclaim parts of their lives, from hobbies to essential daily tasks.

At OAM, we make what we cannot buy—because every Veteran deserves the tools to thrive. Learn more about our solutions: https://www.innovation.va.gov/oam/

SimLEARN's Assessment, Outreach & Collaboration team just wrapped up
activation testing at the new Shoals VA Outpatient Clinic in Sheffield, AL!
Over two days, the team ran 9 critical scenarios with 43 health care
professionals from 22 service lines, all under the watchful eyes of 8 expert
observers.
The comprehensive testing included workflow and emergency responses in
PACT, Mental Health, Laboratory, and Audiology services. The Shoals team
shined, showcasing top-notch High Reliability Organization principles,
building on our 2022 Anniston Clinic success.
Thanks to proactive leadership, there were minimal findings with solutions
already in development for identified areas. The Birmingham VAMC's
dedication to Veteran care excellence was clear throughout the process.

SimLEARN recently evaluated the Smart Bolo, an innovative VA-developed device that helps ensure proper oxygen delivery for Veterans using nasal cannulas.

This technology, invented at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and refined by VA Engineering Health Innovations Cleveland, uses dual sensors to detect when oxygen tubes become dislodged, immediately alerting both patients and caregivers.

SimLEARN’s evaluation of the Smart Bolo highlights VA's commitment to developing innovative health care solutions that enhance the quality of care and safety for Veterans receiving supplemental oxygen therapy at home or in health care facilities. Learn more at: https://www.innovation.va.gov/simlearn/

On January 18, we honor the founding of Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Since 1946, PVA has empowered Veterans with spinal cord injuries to live with dignity, freedom, and independence.

At VHA Office of Advanced Manufacturing, we share that commitment by developing assistive technologies—like 3D-printed devices—that help Veterans regain control of their everyday lives.

Together, we innovate to build brighter futures for Veterans.
Learn more about PVA and their mission: https://pva.org/

📢 In this week's VHA IE newsletter:

• Celebrate the successes of the 2024 Diffusion Marketplace, with 52 innovations and over 1 million page views.
• Register for January’s Exchange to meet the new 2025 VHA IE Fellows and learn about their innovative projects.
• Discover Dr. Jay Gorman’s work combating loneliness through Veterans Socials, now reaching 134 sites across 25 states.
• Learn about an innovative cafeteria solution improving accessibility for Veterans, developed through the Spark-Seed-Spread program.

Don’t miss the latest updates driving change in Veteran health care. Share with colleagues and subscribe for more updates: https://bit.ly/4he8YVq

Diffusion Marketplace Highlights Successes of 2024 Diffusion Marketplace Highlights Successes of 2024 Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 01/14/2025 09:41 AM EST Share this email with your colleagues to make sure they get the latest VHA IE news: SUBSCRIBE Diffusion Marketplace Highlights Successes of 2024 In 2024, Diffusion Marketpl...

SimLEARN leadership visited the new Fredericksburg Health Care Clinic, a state-of-the-art 500,000 sq ft facility affiliated with Richmond VA Medical Center. During this pivotal visit, the team presented to 56 health care leaders, including service line chiefs and directors, both in-person and virtually.

Following comprehensive discussions about the new health care space, they conducted facility tours and developed simulation scenarios for process testing. The focus remains on ensuring seamless interoperability between services and robust emergency processes at this expansive site.

Looking ahead, the SimLEARN Assessment, Outreach, and Collaboration (ACO) team will commence System Hospital Activation testing in February 2025. This initiative will support Phase 1 opening through specialized process-oriented simulations. ACO continues to work closely with the Fredericksburg team to prepare relevant scenarios that will help assess processes, workspace utilization, and emergency responses in this substantial new health care facility.

VHA Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning’s (OHIL) Innovation Experience (iEX) is the annual flagship conference for OHIL, providing Veterans, VA employees and the public an opportunity to experience and celebrate how VHA innovation, collaboration, and technology are forging the future of Veteran health care and saving Veteran lives. Take a look at some of the highlights from iEX 2024 in Chicago to discover how VA comes together to “Collaborate for Change” to improve Veteran care: https://bit.ly/3BXaDjh

2024 VHA Innovation Experience: Recap VHA Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning’s (OHIL) Innovation Experience (iEX) is the annual flagship conference for OHIL, providing Veterans, VA empl...

Exciting News!
is thrilled to welcome over 50 talented students from St. Cloud High School to the SimVET Center on January 16th. These bright minds from
health care and technology programs will get an exclusive look at our
cutting-edge simulation facilities.

This visit is a fantastic milestone in our growing partnership with the Osceola County School District, uniting innovators in health care, science, technology, and
arts to forge new career pathways in health care simulation and technology.

Through hands-on demonstrations and immersive facility tours, these future
leaders will discover how simulation-based training is revolutionizing health
care education.

SimLEARN is excited to inspire the next generation of health
care professionals. Stay tuned for more updates!

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: https://www.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.

The newest cohort of DTA specialists will spend the next two years learning from subject-matter experts in the VHA Innovation Ecosystem, building an infrastructure for their own Diffusion programs, and strengthening their ability to replicate and scale innovative practices.

Read more about this cohort in last week's CLSL: https://bit.ly/40s2kWa

Diffusion Talent Accelerator Cohort Advancing and Strengthening Innovative Practices Diffusion Talent Accelerator Cohort Advancing and Strengthening Innovative Practices Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 01/07/2025 09:43 AM EST Share this email with your colleagues to make sure they get the latest VHA IE news: SUBSCRIBE Diffusion Talent Accelerator Cohort Advancin...

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: https://bit.ly/4fv9VYc

Shireta Jones’ passion and perseverance on pickleball court - VA News Air Force Veteran Shireta Jones overcomes obstacles with support from VA and adaptive devices to continue her passion for pickleball.

In early May, a serene day at a local state park transformed into a life-or-death situation when an unconscious drowning victim was pulled from the water. Milton Greenberg, a VA Nurse and REdI Program Director at West Palm Beach VA Healthcare System, was present and sprang into action.

Drawing on his extensive training, Greenberg performed precise CPR, successfully reviving the victim. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “The muscle memory I developed through the RQI (Resuscitation Quality Improvement) program gave me the confidence to respond.”

This life-saving moment perfectly illustrates the mission of SimLEARN's REdI (Resuscitation Education & Innovation), highlighting the critical importance of preparation and training in empowering individuals to make a difference in emergencies.

In recognition of his heroic efforts, Greenberg was awarded the prestigious "Bystander Turned Hero" challenge coin. His story underscores why REdI prioritizes CPR education and AED awareness—because every life saved is a testament to readiness and skill.

Join the movement that prepares heroes like Greenberg every day. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/4aRAVio
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