The Diffusion of Excellence Initiative helps to identify and disseminate clinical and administrative best practices through a learning environment that empowers its top performers to apply their innovative ideas throughout the system. All practices featured on this page are winners of the national VHA Shark Tank Competition.
4-Sight
Reduce Veteran wait times for eyeglasses by up to 53%
Advance Care Planning via Group Visits Program
Engaging Veterans in group discussions to develop an advance care plan
Advanced Comprehensive Diabetes Care (ACDC)
Leveraging VA's Home Telehealth program and existing resources to control refractory diabetes
Age-Friendly Health Systems
Age-Friendly Health Systems reliably provide high-quality care to older Veterans using the 4Ms framework – What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility.
Beta Lactam Allergy Assessment: Saving Lives One Assessment at a Time
Improving patient outcomes by clearing penicillin allergies.
Building and Sustaining effective Veterans Family Advisory Councils- Workshop (VFAC)
Veteran and family perspective integrated into VA services at all levels
Building Spiritual Strength (BSS)
Building Spiritual Strength is a group approach for moral injury that can be led by chaplains, mental health providers, or both as a team.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Coordinated Access to Reduce Exacerbations (COPD CARE)
Empowering interprofessional care teams to optimize COPD management.
Continuous Cleaning of Hightouch Surfaces for Veteran and Employee Safety
Self-cleaning mats continuously disinfect providing extra protection
ED-PACT Tool
Ensuring Veterans receive needed care after emergency department visits
EMS CLEAN Covers
This EMS Initiative enhances the cleanliness of Medical Equipment & Beds
Environmental Management Services Training Specialist
Improving infection control with consistent training of healthcare facility housekeepers