CAVHS earns Gold Status in VA ‘Shark Tank’ competition

LITTLE ROCK — An innovative medication management program developed by Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System was named a Gold Status Practice in this year’s Veterans Health Administration’s Shark Tank competition.

A CAVHS interdisciplinary team developed a program named VIONE — Vital, Important, Optional, Not indicated, and Every medication has a specific indication for use — a model for clinical pharmacists to review each patient’s medication profile to identify appropriate medications to de-prescribe.

The undersecretary of Health Shark Tank competition, inspired by the ABC reality television series, has welcomed all VHA employees to submit practices that address the VHA’s priorities of improving access, care coordination, employee engagement, quality and safety, and the veteran experience. Submitted practices undergo two rounds of evaluation by subject matter experts from across the VHA, including front-line staff and Veteran Service Organizations. Twenty finalists are selected to “pitch” their practices at the virtual Shark Tank competition.

The CAVHS team of Dr. Sara Battar, Timothy Cmelik, Kimberly Dickerson and Dr. Margie Scott presented the innovative program to a panel of VHA “Sharks.” The CAVHS bid was among 10 Gold Status practices, and picked for implementation at the Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, Iowa.

“We believe our employees are the ones who make up the front end of the innovation cycle and ignite change. They know the challenges all too well and are the most equipped to identify potential solutions,” Dr. David Shulkin, VA secretary, said in a news release.