·      The importance of supply chain certainty for critical healthcare materials.

·      Nephron Nitrile’s role as one of only two U.S. producers of a critical class of nitrile gloves.

·      Meeting the technical and performance standards for VA glove contracts.

·      Strategies for maintaining a resilient domestic PPE supply chain.

·      Leveraging innovation to support both clinical performance and environmental responsibility.

Sponsored by: Nephron Nitrile

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Alison Bagwell

CEO
Nephron Nitrile

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·      RFID and IoT for Real-Time Tracking: How these technologies improve visibility and reduce errors in inventory management

·      Reducing Losses and Waste: Using advanced systems to minimize overstock, expiration, and inefficiencies in the supply chain

·      Streamlining Operations: Enhancing automation and efficiency to improve inventory flow and reduce manual interventions

·      Engagement in acquisition partnerships across the VA enterprise and across the federal government to help reduce cost and streamline logistics

·      Building resiliency for challenges in just-in-time distribution

·      Maintaining comprehensive support for value-added acquisition and logistics business solutions

Major and Minor DFU related amputations continue to rise globally. The Veterans Administration’s PAVE program is intended to prevent or delay amputations for veterans at risk of limb loss. Evidence based wound care therapeutics proven to heal DFUs more durably are now available. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) awarded topical oxygen therapy an “A” grade treatment recommendation in their 2023 and 2024 Standards of Care. Additionally, the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) and Wound Healing Society (WHS) has also recommended its use in their latest clinical practice guidelines. Multiple RCT & RWE studies conducted within the Veterans Administration have demonstrated that AOTI’s unique cyclically pressurized patient applied at home TWO2 therapy heals DFUs more sustainably. These studies showed TWO2 healed DFUs with a six-fold reduction in recurrence, resulting in an 88% reduction in hospitalizations & 71% reduction in amputations over 12 months.

Sponsored by: Advanced Oxygen Therapy Inc.

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Dr. Matthew Garoufalis DPM, FASPS, FACPM, CWS, FFPM RCPS (Glasg), FRSM

Chief Medical Officer
Advanced Oxygen Therapy Inc.

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·      Innovations in Prosthetic Technology: Explore the latest advancements in prosthetics, including smart limbs and advanced materials

·      Personalized Prosthetic Care: Discuss how the VA tailors prosthetics and rehabilitation to individual veteran needs

·      Collaborations for Cutting-Edge Prosthetics: Highlight VA partnerships with research and industry to expand access to advanced devices

·      Expanding access to multimodal therapies like physical therapy, acupuncture, and CBT

·      Overcoming barriers to non-opioid adoption in diverse VA populations

·      Success stories from the Pain Management, Opioid Safety, and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PMOP)

·      Key Strategies for Improving Patient Satisfaction: Insights into successful initiatives that have enhanced patient experience across VA facilities

·      Addressing Common Barriers to Positive PX: Lessons learned from overcoming challenges such as wait times, communication gaps, and care coordination

·      Sustaining Long-Term Improvements: How continuous feedback loops and performance metrics are used to maintain and optimize patient experience

·      Recruitment and Retention Strategies: Exploring initiatives to attract and retain skilled nursing professionals within the VA system

·      Mentorship and Career Development: Providing pathways for professional growth, leadership opportunities, and ongoing education for VA nurses

·      Addressing Burnout and Well-being: Implementing support systems and wellness programs to reduce burnout and ensure the well-being of nursing staff

·      Fostering Research and Development: How the VA is driving innovation in prosthetics through partnerships, research, and development programs

·      Integrating New Technologies: Exploring the adoption of emerging technologies like robotics and AI to enhance the performance and adaptability of prosthetic devices

·      Streamlining Approval and Access: Strategies to accelerate the approval process and improve veterans' access to the latest prosthetic innovations

·      Supporting and coordinating efforts to understand and reduce disparities in health and health care affecting veterans

·      Diversity efforts within the VHA, access to rural health opportunities

• ·      Managing continued options for reducing disparities among rural populations

Alexander Berardo-Cates

Project Lead, Advanced Manufacturing for Prosthetics, OHIL, VHA
Department of Veterans Affairs

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Dr. Beth Ripley MD, PhD

(A) Chief Officer, Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning (OHIL), VHA
Department of Veterans Affairs

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