{"id":19574,"date":"2023-07-20T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-20T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=19574"},"modified":"2023-07-21T07:35:59","modified_gmt":"2023-07-21T07:35:59","slug":"va-innovators-network-continues-to-expand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adn.monetizemail.com\/?p=19574","title":{"rendered":"VA Innovators Network continues to expand"},"content":{"rendered":"

VHA Innovators Network (iNET)<\/a> is a bustling community of employees united by a desire to solve health care problems and engage in shared learning. iNET Innovation Specialists facilitate local programming, lead local and national events and connect employees with the resources they need to design, develop and test their own solutions.<\/p>\n

Currently, iNET consists of 35 VA medical centers with a combined mission to empower VHA employees to design their own innovative solutions for problems they experience firsthand, as well as foster a culture of innovation through an education in innovation-related principles and experiences to participate in the process of innovative change.<\/p>\n

The programs offered by iNET can have a direct impact on VA health care systems and the Veteran experience. For example, iNET\u2019s Spark-Seed-Spread Innovation Investment Program<\/a> is an initiative designed to employ a diverse range of practices using innovation to deliver a better experience for Veterans, their caregivers and VA employees.<\/p>\n

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Innovation Specialists gather for training with other iNET leaders.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n

One program from Spark-Seed-Spread is designed to allow the transfer of near-expiring surgical implants and supplies from one VA to other VA facilities. The program will aid in decreasing waste and decrease the organization\u2019s carbon footprint.<\/p>\n

Another innovation is the Veteran Integrated Chair Kiosk, which will decontaminate and provide inventory of facility wheelchairs. The kiosk will also alert VA\u2019s Patient Safety office to any operation issues which should take the wheelchair out of circulation.<\/p>\n

Expanding the network<\/h2>\n

Looking to expand their reach and support more innovative ideas, iNET opened up their applications this year for new sites. After a record application season, iNET is excited to welcome nine new sites to the Network:\u00a0<\/p>\n