Table 1
Characteristics of Innovation Initiative Phased Funding.
| Phase 1 | Phase 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Application Requirements | 3-page concept paper | Full 15-page proposal |
| Number of Applications Funded | Up to 10 | Up to 3 |
| Funding Duration | Up to 18 months | Up to 5 years |
| Award Amount | Up to $200,000 per proposal | Up to $500,000 per year |
| Progress Evaluation | Progress assessed using the timelines and benchmarks developed by the awardee and approved by HSR&D | Progress assessed using the timelines and benchmarks agreed upon by the investigator, HSR&D, and partner |
Table 2
Examples of Funded Projects, Their Purpose, Innovation and Impact.
| Innovation | Project Title | Project Purpose, Innovation, and Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Use of data sources | Reduction of Postoperative Opioids Dispensed in Surgical Patients | Purpose: Develop and implement a single “procedure agnostic” postoperative opioid prescribing protocol that can be used across surgeries performed in the VA system. Innovation: Development and implementation of a “procedure agnostic” postoperative opioid prescription protocol using opioid prescription and refill data, emergency department visits, and readmissions for surgical pain or complications. Potential Impact: (a) Reduction of opioids dispensed post-surgery; (b) reduction in attendant harms of overprescribing opioids; (c) ability to implement for all surgical procedures across VA system. |
| New policy and partnerships | Does Protecting Service-Connected Disability Income Motivate Return to Work in Veterans with TBI and PTSD? | Purpose: Determining if protection of disability benefits is associated with return to work or increase in work hours among veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Innovation: Development of intra-agency (e.g. the Veterans Health Administration and the Veterans Benefits Administration) and interagency (e.g. the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service) partnerships and new policies to ensure disability benefits protection for veterans with TBI and PTSD, while allowing them to maintain employment-based income. Potential Impact: (a) Eliminate veterans’ risk of losing financial safety net and motivate veterans to more fully engage in recovery; (b) increase in veterans’ work hours and income over and above their disability compensation, while promoting positive benefits of employment for veterans and contributing to the greater economy. |
| New partnerships | Development and Evaluation of a Veteran-Informed Means Restriction Intervention for Suicide Prevention | Purpose: Improving acceptance and uptake of means restriction counseling (i.e. approaches to prevent at-risk veterans from accessing firearms) to reduce suicides by firearms. Innovation: Public health approach to change the culture around gun safety messaging by collaborating with gun sellers and owners to deliver means restriction counseling and materials in community-based settings. Potential Impact: (a) Establish a network of trained individuals in restriction counseling and safety messaging; (b) equip stakeholders with access to means restriction programs and materials; (c) engender trust and mutual understanding between VA and community-based gun safety stakeholders; (d) reduce suicide by firearms. |
| Use of data sources and technology | Patient Incentives for Reducing No-shows, Accommodating Walk-in Visits, and Improving Primary Care Workflow | Purpose: Developing predictive models and implementing incentives to improve primary care. Innovation: Use of machine learning techniques to predict no-shows and combining predictive models with targeted social incentives based on behavioral economic principles. Potential Impact: (a) Increase efficient use of existing clinical resources; (b) increase access to services for veterans in need; (c) promote cost containment; (d) increase the use of technology to provide access to care. |
| New use of technology | Mobile App for the Prevention of Suicide | Purpose: Develop and create a framework for implementation and dissemination of a suicide prevention mobile app. Innovation: (a) Personalized mobile intervention to support at-risk veterans and allow clinicians to monitor changes in patient risk over time; (b) facilitate patient/provider communication to reduce suicide risk and identify periods of increased risk. Potential Impact: (a) Provide veterans with a way to identify and address suicide risk; (b) identify periods of acute need to supplement current care; (c) provide resource to veterans in and outside the healthcare system. |