Artificial Intelligence
Veterans Affairs Launches First Chatbot to Field COVID-19 Questions
The bot was developed and deployed via Microsoft’s Healthcare Bot platform.
Digital Government
Veterans Affairs' Focus on Experience Sees Increase in Veteran Trust
Trust among veterans has increased 5% in VA health care services since the department began measuring real-time feedback in 2017.
Emerging Tech
VA Exploring Options for a Grand Challenge to Prevent Suicide
The agency is looking for a contractor to help run a possible multi-phase competition, including outreach and potentially raising private-sector funds for the prizes.
Modernization
Accenture Federal Wins $96M Task Order to Modernize and Automate VA Services
Through human-centered design, federal employees and other users will weigh in on what works, along the way.
Modernization
IG: VA Knew Infrastructure Upgrades Wouldn’t Meet Timeline For March Health Records Rollout
Severe staffing shortages, infighting and lack of comprehensive planning for infrastructure improvements would have handicapped the multibillion-dollar project, the inspector general said.
Modernization
VA and DOD Now Default to Sharing Patient Data with Private-Sector Providers
The joint electronic health records management office launched an information exchange program to make it easier to share patient data with thousands of “community partners.”
Modernization
VA to Distribute Thousands of Facebook Portals to Vets and Caregivers in Isolation
The devices will be distributed in pairs to connect qualifying veterans and caregivers during the pandemic.
Emerging Tech
NIH, FDA and VA 3D-Printing Collaboration Turns to Ventilator Parts
So far, about a dozen designs for personal protective gear have gotten the OK for clinical use.
Digital Government
Use of VA’s Telehealth, Virtual Mental Health Services Skyrocket
VA is adapting new ways to treat patients during the pandemic.
Modernization
VA Delays Major IT Programs to Focus on COVID-19
The initial rollout of the new electronic health records system will be pushed out—again—as well as pilots for the new scheduling system. A third, integral effort remains on track.
Cybersecurity
Infosec Reviews Not Good for Small Business Administration, Veterans Affairs Department
Audits note poor posture and highlight weaknesses related to remote work and contractor oversight.
Emerging Tech
FDA, NIH, VA Partner to Accelerate 3D-Printed Protective Gear for COVID-19 Response
The pandemic-driven outcomes could demonstrate what strategic interagency efforts around emerging technology can catalyze in rapid timeframes.
Digital Government
With Coronavirus Cases Spiking, VA Employee and Patient Cases on the Rise
Report finds testing, equipment and staffing shortfalls at VA facilities around the country.
Digital Government
White House Updates Contracting and Technology Guidance for Federal Agencies
During the coronavirus outbreak, the Veterans Affairs Department got a greenlight to rehire experts and the Justice Department clarified its stance on working in states with shelter-in-place orders.
Cybersecurity
How Veterans Affairs CISO Approaches Risk, Recruiting Talent and Proving Cyber's Business Value
Paul Cunningham must ensure the security of the largest medical network in the country while making sure veterans can access services as seamlessly as possible.
Modernization
First Instance of VA’s New Electronic Health Record System Now Scheduled For July
VA officials said the initial deployment was delayed after clinicians asked to be trained on a full system instead of a minimum viable product.
Modernization
IGs Announce Plan to Probe Joint DOD, VA Electronic Health Records Programs
The two inspector general offices are teaming up to determine whether the commercial EHR programs are meeting the main goal of interoperability.
Emerging Tech
VA Reveals Industry Partners for First 5G-Enabled Hospital
Through early adoption, the Veterans Affairs Department aims to help the entire health care industry visualize, access and co-develop 5G’s full potential.
Modernization
VA’s Electronic Health Records System Won’t Make Its First Go-Live Deadline
Training was supposed to start this week ahead of deployment in March, but Veterans Affairs officials said that timeline has been pushed out.
Emerging Tech
Veterans Affairs Launches Its First 5G-Enabled Hospital
Secretary Robert Wilkie said it was the first in the nation and one of the first in the world.
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