It starts with an idea: VA Spark-Seed Spread applications now open

 Through the Spark-Seed-Spread program, VA is empowering staff to identify and accelerate employee-inspired innovations that improve health experiences for Veterans, families, caregivers, and employees. Applications for the 2024 cycle are open throughout July. 

For Dr. Jonathan Bradley, an optometrist at the Bob Michel (Peoria) VA Clinic, getting involved with Spark-Seed-Spread last year started with insights gained training the next generation of health professionals. 

Dr. Bradley began with a goal of reducing preceptor and provider burnout, an idea aligned with VA Illiana’s strategic goal of improving the employee experience. From there, he developed with the idea of a computer model designed to identify and review common misconceptions that health trainee students often carry with them when they arrive for their clinical rotations. His vision was offloading some elements of the teaching burden for common, recurring topics to free up time to focus on more complex precepting elements best learned from a human teacher. 

After working with his supervisor to brainstorm the best way forward, Dr. Bradley connected with VA Illiana’s Innovation Specialist, Jessica Marcinko, to clarify his idea further. After learning more about VA Innovation ecosystem and determining the idea was a fit, he pitched his idea to leadership and was selected to move to the next stage. 

The Spark-Seed-Spread program gave Dr. Bradley key resources that helped him get his idea off the ground. Through a partnership with human centered design experts, Dr. Bradley fined tuned his approach to maximize the user experience. Additionally, he noted working with VA Illiana’s Innovation Specialist was key to solving problems, navigating resources, and finding information. The program also afforded him protected time to work on the project, which he said has been a huge asset as he progresses toward a prototype, which is expected soon.  

Throughout the project, he has had not just the support of the VA Innovation Ecosystem, but other sections and services including OI&T, Communications and Engagement, Specialty Service, Optometry, as well as support from VA’s Rural Inter-professional Faculty Development Initiative. This combination of expertise has helped him access the tools and resources he has needed to keep the project on track. 

Dr. Bradley has shared this program has led to more than simply the development of a new tool. He reports increased satisfaction with his work and a deeper feeling of fulfilment from the knowledge that this tool will help both educate students and serve Veterans. 

Are you a VA employee who has an idea for innovation in Veteran care? Think about it. You may just be pondering the next VA-wide transformation in service to those who’ve served. VA staff can contact Jessica Marcinko, Innovation Specialist with questions or to apply. The portal will remain open until July 31 at midnight.