Hospitals in pursuit of excellence

Communication Networks

The US Department of Veterans Affairs comprehensive Clinical Practice program brings together VA clinicians throughout the system's 153 medical centers to identify evidence-based practice recommendations, disseminate those practices and educate frontline staff. Launched in 2008, the program keeps far-flung groups in touch through regular conference calls, newsletters, monthly reports and internal mail groups. So far, the VA's Clinical Practice Program has implemented successful quality improvement programs for anti-coagulation, pressure ulcer prevention and mental health initiatives. "Sometimes the knowledge translation is definitely difficult to do, but we've done major collaboration across our facilities," said Marthe Moseley, RN, associate director, clinical practice/cardiovascular clinical nurse advisor for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Nursing Services. For more information on the VA's Nursing Clinical Practice program, contact Marthe Moseley at Marthe.Moseley@va.gov.