HSR&D National Meeting 2008: Implementation across the Nation

"Implementation Across the Nation" was the theme of the 26th VA Health Services Research and Development Service (HSR&D) National Meeting that was held February 13-15, 2008 in Baltimore, MD. Hosted by HSR&D's Center for Research in the Implementation of Innovative Strategies in Practice (Iowa City), the meeting included 580 researchers, clinicians, and policymakers who participated in more than 30 paper sessions and workshops. In addition, HSR&D investigators viewed 120 posters on an array of veteran-related healthcare issues, as well as several exhibits. This national forum provided many opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and the development of strategies that will improve healthcare for veterans, including our new generation of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with particular healthcare needs.

The theme of the meeting was chosen to reflect two of the VHA Eight for Excellence strategies: 1) "Provide timely and appropriate access to health care by implementing best practices," and 2) "Focus research and development on clinical and system improvements designed to enhance the health and well-being of veterans." The theme also reflects the need to extend what we have learned about the dissemination of information and the implementation of new interventions in clinics and hospitals to a broader range of delivery settings and to new veteran populations. Other research presentations focused on diseases/conditions that are prevalent among veterans, such as: home-based monitoring to improve blood pressure control, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), pain management, racial differences in type 2 diabetes, traumatic brain injury in OEF/OIF veterans, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Meeting Highlights

The meeting featured several special guest speakers: Carolyn Clancy, MD, Director of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ); Carole Estabrooks, RN, PhD, Professor of Nursing at the University of Alberta; and Garth Stewart, an OIF veteran injured in Iraq, who spoke about his experiences with VA healthcare.

Under Secretary's Award for Outstanding Achievement in HSR

The 2008 Under Secretary's Award for Outstanding Achievement in Health Services Research was presented to David Asch, MD, MBA. This award recognizes a VA researcher whose work has led to major improvements in the quality of veterans' health care, has made key contributions to the future of HSR&D through excellence in training and mentorship, and has enhanced the visibility and reputation of VA research through national leadership. Dr. Asch is Co-Director of HSR&D's Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, whose mission is to reduce disparities and promote quality in health and health care among veterans and other populations. Dr. Kupersmith, Chief Research and Development Officer, presented the award.

Next year's HSR&D national meeting is planned for February, 2009 under the theme, "Defining Optimal Care: Balancing Quality, Cost and Patient Preferences."

Participant Lists

National Meeting and Career Development Conference participant lists are available on the VA intranet only.
National meeting: http://vaww.hsrd.research.va.gov/meetings/2008/nm-list.pdf
Career Development: http://vaww.hsrd.research.va.gov/meetings/2008/cd-list.pdf

Plenary Sessions

Some of the plenary presentations from the meeting are available on the VA intranet only.
Presentations: http://vaww.hsrd.research.va.gov/meetings/2008/presentations.cfm