Western North Carolina Performance Improvement Fair Showcases Innovation and Excellence
By Katherine Ramos Muniz, Public Affairs Specialist
“I was truly impressed by the variety of projects submitted, especially since the submissions came from employees from all levels of the organization,” said Joanna A. Weber, the associate director.
Recently, the Western North Carolina VA Health Care System held its annual Performance Improvement Fair, showcasing a variety of projects aimed at enhancing patient care, streamlining processes, leveraging evidence-based practices, and improving both employee and patient experiences.
"The Performance Improvement Fair featured 40 posters, each highlighting the dedication of staff members who are committed to enhancing care for Veterans and taking ownership of their work areas,” said Amy Thompto, a system redesign specialist. Participants included VA employees from the Charles George VA Medical Center and Community-Based Outpatient Clinics in Hickory, Franklin, and Rutherfordton.
“We have made significant strides in our practice to ensure evidence-based reviews of literature, incorporate Veterans’ perspectives, and utilize subject matter experts,” said Cathy Hebert, the chief nurse for research and data science. “This year, the projects have far exceeded those of previous years, showcasing the staff's commitment to High Reliability Organization (HRO) principles.”
Hebert explained that in a High-Reliability Organization, all staff members feel safe speaking up about potential safety issues and identifying areas needing improvement.
During the fair, four judges evaluated the posters based on specific criteria to determine the winners. Hundreds of visitors walked through the atrium, gaining insights into various initiatives within the healthcare system and 616 voted for the People’s Choice category.
“I was truly impressed by the variety of projects submitted, especially since the submissions came from employees from all levels of the organization,” said Joanna A. Weber, the associate director. “Their efforts clearly reflect their dedication to our VA Mission and to enhancing the experience of patients and their families.”
The main topics covered included creating clinical pathways, technology integration, documentation reduction, care management, and specific interventions for certain patient groups and conditions.
“Although this was a competition, I know that none of these projects were motivated by the desire for an award. Instead, our staff is genuinely dedicated to improving patient outcomes and the success of our healthcare system,” said Weber. “I am truly grateful to work alongside such committed and caring professionals.”
Judges’ Choice Winners:
- Reducing Open Encounters in Outpatient Clinics by Data Analyst Paulin Pagulayan.
- Improving FIT Returns in Primary Care by Licensed Practical Nurses Kathy Cabe, Linda Gentry, Lisa Fox, Tonya Cupples, Tiffany Aceto, Linda Brown, Keli P. Hunt and Mikayla Davis. The team also included Registered Nurses Sheri Norman and Mark Butala.
- Scheduled for Success: Restoring Continence with Timed Voiding by Registered Nurses Andrea Harmon, Deb Turner, and Lizzie Lino.
- Tamsulosin for the Prevention of Post-Operative Urinary Retention by Veteran Program Manager Kimberly McDowell and Registered Nurse Michelle Moerk.
- An Evidence-Based & Patient-Centered Testosterone Injection Practice in Outpatient Clinics by Registered Nurses Shay L. Parker, Michelle Dolan, and Sonya Adams.
People’s Choice Winner:
- Improving Veteran TD/TDAP Immunization Rates: A “CARS” Race to Save “Mater” by Licensed Practical Nurse Kayla Singleton and Registered Nurse Shawn Meadows.