Central Virginia VA puts a spotlight on employee innovation

In September, the Innovation, Development, Education, Advanced Implementation, Solutions Center for Innovation (IDEAS) at Central Virginia VA held its annual demo day, showcasing over 35 innovative projects aimed at improving Veteran care.

The IDEAS demo day is designed to celebrate the work of VA’s employee innovators, engage local Veterans in providing feedback on their innovations and bring together the local innovation community.

Over 200 VA employee innovators and Veterans, as well as industry and academic collaborators, attended the event. The IDEAS Center is one of VHA Innovation Ecosystem’s four National Centers for Innovation to Impact, which foster collaboration across industries to address VA’s most pressing health care challenges.

Workforce empowerment drives innovation

“This culture is being driven by frontline employees who have recognized opportunities to improve care for Veterans and have taken the initiative to develop innovative solutions,” said Ronald Johnson, Central Virginia executive director, who praised the collaborative work being done.

Providing employees with the skills and resources to innovate is central to the IDEAS Center’s mission. VA employees are encouraged to identify problems or opportunities within the health care system and seek support to develop solutions.

Improving care for Veterans

During the IDEAS Demo Day, two notable innovations were highlighted for their recent success and national impact. Among them was the defibrillator simulator, developed by Dr. Michael Kazior and nurse Shay Samuels. This innovation improves training on the use of defibrillators through an online simulated educational tool.

Another IDEAS Center innovation featured for its national impact was “Less Gas, More Green” developed by Sam Smith, Navy Veteran and nurse anesthetist. The project focuses on reducing carbon emissions in anesthesia practices by encouraging the use of lower-polluting gases.

Supported by the IDEAS Center and VHA Innovators Network, “Less Gas, More Green” is now expanding across multiple VA facilities as part of a national sustainability effort.

“Demo Day helps us better connect with Veteran Service Organizations and Veterans, bringing them in so we can not only engage them but also show our leadership what we’re doing and how this benefits everybody,” Johnson added.

Learn more

As VA advances its mission to improve health care for Veterans, the IDEAS Center plays a critical role in shaping a future focused on collaboration, creativity and improved outcomes for those who have served. Learn more about the IDEAS Center.

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