VA facility in Becker’s top 34 Innovative Health Programs Nationwide

The Ralph H. Johnson VA Health Care System (VA HCS) has been named one of Becker's Healthcare top 34 hospitals and health systems with innovation programs in the country. This is a significant recognition for the Ralph H. Johnson VA HCS, as it is the only Veterans Affairs Health Care System on the list and the only health care system in South Carolina and Georgia.

Through its forward-thinking innovation programs, the Ralph H. Johnson VA HCS has been able to remain on the leading edge of the ever-changing healthcare landscape, by creating several programs, institutions, and initiatives dedicated to furthering research, discovery, and innovation.

"We are incredibly proud to be recognized as one of Becker's top 34 hospitals and health systems with innovation programs," said Scott Isaacks, Director and CEO of the Ralph H. Johnson VA HCS. "This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, who are constantly striving to improve the care we provide to our Veterans."

Key Highlights of the Ralph H. Johnson VA HCS Innovation Programs:

- Charleston Innovates!: This ground-up program leverages the firsthand knowledge of frontline employees to develop new solutions for improving care delivery.

- Spark-Seed Spread Innovation Investment Program: This program accelerates employee-inspired innovations by providing funding and support.

- 4D Bioprinting Facility: This cutting-edge facility is one of only three in the country and is dedicated to researching and developing new bioprinting technologies.

- 3D Innovation Center: This center has developed three groundbreaking FDA-approved medical devices and is constantly exploring new ways to use 3D printing technology to improve patient care.

- Lowcountry Center for Veterans Research: This center is home to more than 100 researchers who are conducting vital research on a variety of topics, including cancer, heart disease, and mental health.

- National Institute for Brain Health: As the first facility of its kind in the U.S., the National Institute for Brain Health is dedicated to revolutionizing care for Veterans battling Alzheimer's and dementia. The Institutes commitment to evidence-based and data-driven practices sets a new benchmark in Veteran healthcare.

The innovation ecosystem at the Ralph H. Johnson VA HCS has has a positive impact on Veteran care, employee satisfaction, and employee engagement. The system has seen various improvements in patient care as a result of its innovation programs, including shorter wait times, improved access to care, and better quality of care. Additionally, employee satisfaction has increased significantly as employees are given the opportunity to be creative and come up with new ideas to improve the workplace.

The Ralph H. Johnson VA HCS is committed to continuing to be a leader in health care innovation. The system has several exciting new initiatives in the pipeline, including the launch of "VA Next Level," an AI health coach, that will be launching soon.

"We are confident that our continued focus on innovation will allow us to provide the best possible care to our Veterans," said Isaacks.

Follow the link to see the full list: 34 hospital and health system innovation programs to know | 2023 (beckershospitalreview.com)