VA’s Mobile Discussion Series is a monthly webinar. Starting in September 2019 the VA Mobile Discussion Series will transition to the Connected Care Discussion Series. The series will expand topics and interest beyond mobile applications to all Connected Care tools, technologies and interests.
June 2022
Virtual Care & Patient-Generated Health Data for Heart Health
The June Connected Care Discussion Series on Virtual Care & Patient-Generated Health Data for Heart Health provides an overview of patient-generated health data (PGHD) at VA, discusses heart conditions among Veterans, and showcases the benefits of using virtual care tools and PGHD to empower Veterans in their heart health journeys. The presentation also details VA virtual care resources available for heart health – and opportunities and considerations for integrating them into clinical care.
May 2022
Mental Health in May
This May, our featured presenter was Dr. Jeane Bosch, Clinical Psychologist. Dr. Bosch joined us for Mental Health Awareness Month and provided an overview of mental health strategies for Veterans, as well as apps and resources for Veterans and providers.
May 2022
Virtual Care and PGHD for Weight Management and Fitness
Laura Carlson, MS, MOVE! Program Analyst, VHA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Julie Harmon, Registered Dietitian, MOVE! Program Coordinator and Dr. Christina Armstrong, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, Connected Health Implementation Strategies, Office of Connected Care had the first Connected Care Discussion Series presentation in May: Virtual Care & Patient-Generated Health Data for Weight Management and Fitness, hosted by the Connected Health Implementation team. The presentation discussed patient-generated health data at VA, the benefits of using virtual care tools and PGHD to support shared decision-making, and how these tools can empower Veterans in their weight management and fitness journeys.
April 2022
Asynchronous Telehealth Initiatives forLimb Loss Care
For Limb Loss Awareness Month in April, the Connected Care Discussion Series welcomes Dr. Noel So, and Lea Lew, certified prosthetist orthotist, who provided a detailed overview of the Asynchronous Telehealth Initiatives that are available for limb loss care. The presentation will also detail ed resources for patients and providers.
March 2022
Stay Quit Coach and Other Tools to Support SmokingCessation
In March, the Connected Discussion series looked at mobile mental health apps developed by the National Center for PTSD and their role in patient care. Dr. Colleen Becket-Davenport, Mobile Apps Facilitator; National Center for PTSD, provided a detailed overview of the Stay Quit Coach app and brief introductions to other VA apps that can manage nicotine cravings and/or/or stress associated with tobacco cessation. The presentation also detailed mobile apps resources for patients and providers.
February 2022
Beyond Basics: Tools and Technology to Support WomenVeterans
In February, the Connected Care Discussion Series focused on Women's Health. Nadean Sitter, MEd, Women Veterans Program Manager, and Ashley Lauria, MA, International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant, Maternity Care Coordinator, reviewed the primary care and comprehensive Women's Health services VA offers and how connected care technologies support the mission.
January 2022
Welcome to 2022. Let’s Move!
Let's MOVE! As 2022 kicked off, Lori Carlson, MS, MOVE! Program Analyst, VHA National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, provided a review of the VA’s MOVE! Weight Management program as well as the MOVE! Coach app and the My App List tool at the VA App Store.
December 2021
Connected Care, A Year in Review
As 2021 wrapped up, Dr. Christina Armstrong, Clinical Psychologist, Connected Health Implementation Strategies, Office of Connected Care, Patient Care Services, talked about the year and set our sites on the future of connected care -- from Virtual Health Resource Centers to Connected Care Academy.
October 2021
Caring for the Caregiver
In October, LaQuana Fulton, Training Coordinator, Caregiver Support Program, presented on the VA Caregiver Support Program, the changes from 2020 to now and offered tips and guidance on working with and supporting caregivers to provide Veterans with the best care possible.
September 2021
Virtual Shoulder Exam
In September, Dr. Leonie Hayworth, MD, MHP, Director of Synchronous Telehealth for VA’s Office of Connected Care, presented a new resource for VA providers: the Virtual Shoulder Exam. The presentation was an opportunity to learn about this new resource, as well as best practices for integrating it into clinical care. Walking through the shoulder exam, as providers would do with patients, as well as reviewing the instructional document that accompanies this resource.
July 2021
Patient-Generated Health Data: Best Practices in the Integration into Clinical Care
July’s Connected Care Discussion Series dove deeper into Patient-Generated Health Data. Dr. Christina Armstrong presented on sensors and wearables created for Veterans to proactively track and manage their health. Download this presentation to understand how to better integrate sensors and wearables into patient care.
June 2021
VA Technology for Veterans with PTSD
During the June Connected Care Discussion Series, Dr. Julia Whealin presented Connected Care Tools for Veterans with PTSD. There are several VA mobile apps and resources that provide self-help, education, and support following trauma. There are also companion apps to use with a healthcare provider. This presentation highlighted tools like PTSD Coach, CBT-I Coach, and Insomnia Coach.
May 2021
A Day in the Life of a MyHealtheVet Coordinator
In May, Melissa Beals, Levi Laroco, and Jeff Holmes presented on MyHealtheVet, how MyHealtheVet Coordinators addressed challenges and changes during the pandemic and gave a tour on the essential resources available. Download the slides to see the perspective of a MyHealtheVet Coordinator.
April 2021
Connected Care Academy
In April, Dr. Rhonda Johnston, Director of the Quality and Training Division, Office of Connected Care/Telehealth Services, presented Connected Care Academy, VA’s new knowledge management platform. The ultimate source for the latest VA telehealth content, Connected Care Academy allows VA staff to find the latest training courses and information, access and share telehealth resources, engage with role and specialty-specific communities, and more. There are no presentation slides for this webinar, please watch the demo video to learn how to get started.
March 2021
Patient-Generated Health Data (PGHD)
This month, the Connected Care Discussion Series featured information on patient-generated health data. On average, providers spend a total of 20 minutes a year with each patient. This presentation provided participants insights into how to bridge that gap of care between appointments and improve Veteran patient engagement. PGHD helps providers understand what’s happening with patients outside the office and this presentation provided examples of how VA is using the technology. This webinar included a topic-based discussion with Dr. Christina Armstrong, Dr. John Murphy, and Dr. Terry Newton.
February 2021
Connecting Rural Veterans to Care
The February Connected Care Discussion Series featured Dr. Thomas Klobucar, Executive Director, Office of Rural Health (ORH), and showcased how VA is using virtual tools and technology to bring care closer to home by bridging the technology gap rural Veterans face. With examples that included VA Video Connect, ATLAS sites, and Emergency Telehealth, this presentation highlighted how VA is using a variety of connected care technologies to provide care to Veterans where they live.
January 2021
Telehealth Services Remote Patient Monitoring-Home Telehealth (RPM-HT)
Connected Care Discussion Series in January presented the latest in RPM-HT. Featuring a topic-based discussion with Sherron Olliff, MSW, LCSW from the Office of Connected Care: Telehealth Services National Training Team, the webinar provided participants with information on the RPM-HT, how it fits in The Office of Connected Care, PACT, and other VA Specialty Programs. Download the presentation to learn more about how RPM-HT has helped with improving care during COVID.
December 2020
Connected Care Tools for Pain Management and Integrative Whole Health
During the December Connected Care Discussion Series, presenters reviewed tools and technologies for pain management and integrative whole health. Dr. Kate Schopmeyer, Dr. Juli Olson and Sara Grimsgaard, led the discussion and showcased the multiple ways different professions can approach a chronic pain problem to help Veterans. This topics-based discussion provided relevant information on how different approaches, including connected care tools, can help with pain management and integrative whole health.
November 2020
Connected Care Tools - Mental Health Checkup
The November Connected Care Discussion Series continues its discussion on mental health with a deep dive into the new VA health application, Mental Health Checkup. The VA Mental Health Checkup application (app) for Care Teams supports measurement-based care for Veterans with various mental health conditions. Through the app, VA providers can engage Veterans in their own care with assessments to diagnose symptoms and evaluate levels of distress. Presenters Dr. Jennifer Evans – Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Dr. Christina Armstrong – Clinical Psychologist, Connected Health Implementation Strategies, Office of Connected Care (OCC) – led the discussion and showcased what participants need to know about the app.
October 2020
Connected Care Tools for Mental Health
The October Connected Care Discussion Series looks at the virtual care tools and modalities being used to help Veterans manage mental health conditions like sleep disorders, depression, and PTSD. Dr. Jennifer Roth and Dr. Christina Armstrong leads the discussion and showcases how some of the available tools like Mental Health Checkup, COVID Coach, Annie, and others can help Veterans get care when and where it is needed. The topics-based discussion features practical tips, important links to materials and relevant information.
September 2020
Bridging the Digital Divide
The September 2020 Connected Care Discussion series presented opportunities for bridging the digital divide to better serve Veterans. The webinar presentation showcased what you should know about digital divide consults, tablet programs, VA loaned devices, and more. Presenter Val Rivish led the discussion on what’s available to help Veterans get care when and where it is needed.
July 2020
Adaptive Technologies and Resources
The July Connected Care Discussion Series talks about Connected Care Adaptive Technologies and Resources. The webinar presented information about VA Clinic-to-clinic and at Home Telehealth, VA Video Connect and Assistive Technologies. Presenters Melissa Oliver and Jessica Barton led the discussion, showcasing the tools, technologies and resources available to Veterans and their Caregivers. The topic-based discussion went over the different technologies and features, offered practical tips and featured case studies.
June 2020
Annie COVID-19 Protocols
The June Connected Care Discussion Series dives into what you should know about the available Annie COVID-19 protocols. Presenter Boyd Loehr, RN, BSN showcased the two protocols available to Veterans and their Caregivers. The topics-based discussion went into the different features and how best to use the app.
May 2020
A Day in the Life of a My HealtheVet Coordinator
My HealtheVet Coordinators have a wealth of information and resources, many that you may not know about! The May Connected Care Discussion Series speaks with three My HealtheVet Coordinators. Watch to learn about those lesser-known resources, how My HealtheVet can help Veterans continue care during a natural disaster or other event and what a day in the life of a My HealtheVet Coordinator looks like.
April 2020
Best Practices in Mobile Health in Clinical Care: Security and Privacy
The April Connected Care Discussion Series presents security and privacy best practices in mobile health for clinical care. The webinar provides a deeper understanding and discusses the security and privacy issues of virtual care tools. Presenters will showcase what VA staff needs to know and what patients need to know about how data is collected, protected and used in providing quality care to Veterans when and where it is needed.
February 2020
Connected Care Technologies for Caregivers
The February Connected Care Discussion Series focuses on Connected Care tools and technologies that caregivers should know about. Becca Bixler, Polytrauma Coordinator, Caregiver Support Coordinator, presented both Annie and Video Caregiver Support Groups providing practical examples download the presentation to learn more about how these technologies can help caregivers deliver care when and where it is needed.
January 2020
Connected Care Mental Health Tools and Technologies for Veterans in 2020
Did you know that VA has Mental Health apps that can be used by Veterans who are in treatment as well as those who are not? In this webinar the Connected Care Discussion Series focuses on how VA tools and Technologies can help deliver mental health care to Veterans. Watch the recorded webinar as Dr. Roth discusses how Annie, Mindfulness Coach, PTSD Coach and other Connected Care technologies can be used to ensure Veterans have access to mental health care when and where they need it throughout the year.
December 2019
Disaster Preparedness: Getting Care to Veterans When and Where it is Needed
Disasters and emergencies often result in high volume appointment cancellations and increased demand. Connected Care technologies like telephone, video telehealth, mobile applications can help to deliver care to Veterans when and where it is needed - optimizing timely continuity of care after a disaster or emergency. This webinar discusses how Telehealth Emergency Management (TEM) can be deployed in an emergency to deliver tele-primary care, tele-mental health and tele-specialty care when and where it is needed.
November 2019
Annie for Weight Management
You may know Annie, but did you know Annie can help with weight loss and weight management? During the November webinar, VA Telehealth Dietitian Melissa Treinen discussed using Annie for ongoing support and accountability to achieve long-term weight loss and weight management success. The discussion covered how Annie can help Veterans take responsibility and track their progress toward the attainable weight goals they set for themselves. As part of the presentation, the presenter highlighted promising practices from experience and success stories.
September 2019
Connected Care Highlights Telehealth Tools and Technologies
Over the past year, the VA Mobile Discussion Series has gone beyond the VA Mobile arena to include technologies and tools from VA Telehealth and My HealtheVet. In October the series’ name changed to the Connected Care Discussion Series and included information on integrating strong practices with Connected Care tools. The webinar featured a discussion with Sherron Olliff, Training Specialist, Connected Care Home Telehealth, showcasing the VA Telehealth website, highlighting resources and programs you should know about, and answering questions from participants.
August 2019
Connected Care Highlights from Nurses and Caregivers & What’s Next for the VA Mobile Discussion Series
August’s VA Mobile Discussion featured a topic-based discussion on successes, challenges and stories from the field with a VA Nurse and Caregiver Coordinator. Presenters shared their expertise on how they are seeing Connected Care technologies used to help Veterans. Technologies discussed included VA Video Connect, Annie, Home Telehealth and My HealtheVet. Participant questions were answered periodically throughout the webinar. The webinar also featured what’s next for the VA Mobile Discussion Series, and how to include your input as we start making changes in the coming months.
July 2019
Keeping Veterans Active this Summer with MOVE! Coach
July’s VA Mobile Discussion featured the MOVE! Coach app and how it can be used to help Veterans set weight loss goals. The app features a 19-week program that guides the participants to achieve success with weight loss through education, and the use of tools, in a convenient way. The presenter discussed how participants could use the app to monitor, track, and receive feedback regarding their progress with weight, diet, and exercise.
June 2019
Using VA Technologies to Address Chronic Illnesses and Conditions
June’s VA Mobile Discussion showcased how VA technologies like Annie can be used to address chronic illnesses and conditions. Presenters featured several of the Annie protocols and how they may apply using examples from their experience. These tools can help address the unique care needs of Veterans and help deliver quality care when and where it is needed.
May 2019
Caring for the Caregiver Part II: Mental Health
VA recognizes family caregivers for the tireless effort they provide in caring for Veterans. May's VA Mobile Discussion Series webinar - Caring for the Caregiver Part II: Mental Health - explores how VA technologies are supporting Veteran caregivers, and showcases how VA technologies improve caregiver’s access to resources and support. Technologies discussed this by VA experts include VA caregiver web resources, My HealtheVet, VA Video Connect, Mindfulness Coach, Mood Coach, Moving Forward, and more.
April 2019
Path to Better Sleep
Sleep impacts every aspect of wellness. Poor quality sleep can be linked to critical issues like suicidality, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure, diabetes and an increased risk of depression. April’s VA Mobile Discussion will showcased how technologies including Path to Better Sleep, Remote Veteran Apnea Management Platform (REVAMP), CBT-i Coach and other technologies are helping Veterans get the sleep they need.
March 2019
Coaching Apps for Veterans Struggling with PTSD and their Families
March’s VA Mobile Discussion Series – Coaching Apps for Veterans Struggling with PTSD and their Families – showcased how VA apps support Veterans who are struggling with PTSD and their families. Join us on March 28, 2018, from 3-4 p.m. ET for the live discussion. The technologies features in March include PTSD Family Coach, PTSD Coach and others as part of a topic-based discussion that provided guidance on the practical applications of these tools.
February 2019
Supporting Nurses: VA Technologies that Nurses Will Care About
Nurses are critical to providing quality care and there are apps they can use to help assist Veterans. February's VA Mobile Discussion Series webinar presented Supporting Nurses: VA Technologies that Nurses Will Care About. The webinar featured a topic-based discussion on how Safe Patient Handling, Secure Messaging, Home Telehealth, Annie and other VA technologies can be used by Nurses to provide quality care that addresses the challenges unique to Veterans.
January 2019
Meeting and Maintaining 2019 Health Goals with VA Technologies
January’s VA Mobile Discussion Series – Meeting and Maintaining 2019 Health Goals with VA Technologies – showcased how VA technologies support Veterans in making positive life changes to improve their health. The webinar featured a topic-based discussion on VA technologies including MOVE! Coach, VetChange and Stay Quit Coach. Presenters demonstrated how these tools can support Veterans in making positive life changes to improve their health.
December 2018
Minding our Veterans
VA is using technology to provide care when and where it’s needed and December featured a timely discussion on how VA technologies including CPT Coach, Mindfulness, Virtual Hope Box and Annie are being used to ensure there is no delay in care for mental health, even during holiday travel. Minding our Veterans: Using Technology to augment psychotherapy and self-care provided a topic-based discussion just in time for the holidays.
November 2018
Care for the Caregiver
As part of National Caregivers Month, VA recognized family caregivers for the tireless effort they provide in caring for Veterans. The November Mobile Discussion Series – Care for the Caregiver – featured how VA technologies are being piloted by clinical teams to improve caregiver’s access to resources and support.
October 2018
Learn more about the MyVA Health Journal App
The MyVA Health Journal app allows Veterans to update and enter personal information about their health. With the app, Veterans can store contact information and health and military histories, as well as record wellness goals, take health assessments, monitor mood, add appointment plans and create entries about a variety of health topics.
September 2018
Learn more about the Summary of Care App
The Summary of Care App allows Veterans to view specific parts of their VA Electronic Health Record (EHR) on a mobile device. With the app, Veteran patients can view VA EHR data, including patient contact information, medical diagnoses, allergies, medications, lab results, and vital signs.
August 2018
Learn more about the Annie App
Annie is a Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging capability that promotes self-care for Veterans enrolled in VA health care. Annie sends automatic messages and reminders to Veterans to track and monitor their health based on protocols established by their care team. Veterans respond back to these texts with health readings and other information. It can also send medication reminders, as well as educational and motivational messages to help patients manage their care and stay on track. Users of the mobile app version of Annie can also view their data graphically to better understand their progress toward health goals.
July 2018
Learn more about the Exposure Ed App
The Exposure Ed App gives VA and non-VA health care providers information on military-related exposures. During their service, Veterans may have been exposed to a range of chemical, physical and environmental hazards, and providers can use this app to have an informed discussion with Veterans about their individual exposure-related concerns and potential impacts on their health. Providers can also access information on exposure-related programs and benefits offered by VA and help Veterans assess their participation eligibility.
June 2018
Learn more about the Patient Viewer App
The Patient Viewer App gives VA staff secure access to Veteran patient records from the convenience of a mobile device. Whether walking the halls of a medical facility or during time away from it, VA care teams will be able to respond more quickly to patient needs that arise between appointments. The app allows care teams to access information, including real-time vitals, notes, labs, imaging results, and both inpatient and outpatient medications and allergies.
May 2018
Learn more about the VA FitHeart and CR Pro apps
The VA FitHeart and CR Pro apps work together to simplify care management of Veterans participating in cardiac rehabilitation or living with a heart condition. VA FitHeart encourages Veterans to increase physical fitness and provides tracking tools to help them monitor their heart health and progress towards their goals. VA care teams then use CR Pro to view the fitness and health data recorded by their patients in VA FitHeart and, if desired, export it as a progress note into the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS).
April 2018
Learn more about the VA TeleDerm App
The VA TeleDerm App allows VA care teams to capture and store digital images and associated clinical data to provide safe, appropriate and cost-effective teledermatology services to Veterans. The app is designed to integrate with current VA consultative store-and-forward teledermatology practices by packaging the necessary tasks for referring clinicians and imagers into one app. VA TeleDerm ensures all members of the health care team have access to up-to-date and accurate records.
March 2018
Learn More About VA Mental Health Apps
This discussion covers VA’s suite of health care apps and how they help Veterans, service members and their families learn how to manage their mental health. VA offers tools and information to help app users manage a wide range of mental health care issues, including apps to manage PTSD-related symptoms and stress, practice mindfulness, strengthen parenting skills, cope with anger and learn problem solving skills to overcome obstacles. VA mental health care apps can be used on their own or can be combined with treatment from a Veteran’s care team.
February 2018
Learn more about MOVE! Coach
Learn more about MOVE! Coach, an app for Veterans, service members, their families and others who would like to lose weight. Over a 19-week program, app users can monitor, track and receive feedback regarding their progress with weight, diet and exercise goals. MOVE! Coach also provides educational resources for overcoming barriers to weight loss, and the app can be combined with treatment from a Veteran’s care team. This app is currently available in the iOS App store and will soon be available for Android devices.
January 2018
Learn more about how to implement a VA mobile health app
VA provides a variety of apps for Veterans and VA care teams to increase access, communication and coordination of care for Veterans. Mobile health apps can help Veterans become more active participants in their health care, while apps for VA care teams improve the work flows of care teams, leading to improved quality of care. This webinar provides an overview of the process for rolling out a mobile app, what to expect during implementation, how the apps may integrate into existing workflows or systems and how these new technologies can enhance Veteran care.
December 2017
Learn more about VA DoD Veteran Link
Learn more about VA DoD Veteran Link, a new social networking app that provides Veterans receiving VA health care and current service members a way to find support within their peer group. App users can find information about health-related issues, search for other Veterans and service members based on information they have shared, and join groups to discuss specific topics with others. Because the app is limited to just Veterans and current service members, VA DoD Veteran Link gives users a safe space to open up about difficult topics and build an empathetic and supportive community.
November 2017
Learn more about VA Online Scheduling
Learn more about VA Online Scheduling, which allows VA patients to schedule and request certain appointments online. Through My HealtheVet, Veterans at participating facilities can now schedule and manage their care and certain specialty appointments, view their VA health record, use Secure Messaging and more. With the option of using either a My HealtheVet Premium Account or their DS Logon Premium account, Veterans can access VA Online Scheduling in a way that is most convenient for them. This webinar reviews the evolution of the online scheduling tool and explains how to access and use online scheduling through My HealtheVet.
October 2017
Learn more about the Genetic Diagnostic Testing (GDx) system
Learn more about the Genetic Diagnostic Testing (GDx) system, which puts genetic testing data into the hands of patients. Through the GDx App for Veterans, Veterans can view and share their VA-ordered genetic testing results with their VA and non-VA care teams, and with GDx for VA Care Teams, health care providers have access to their patient’s genetic and genomic test results making it easier to develop personalized treatment plans. This webinar reviews the functionality of both GDx Apps and shows how they will transform health care for Veterans who have genetic testing by streamlining and increasing access to care.
September 2017
Learn more about the Immunization Campaign App
Learn more about the new Immunization Campaign App, which will streamline the process of influenza vaccine administration to save time for both VA care teams and the Veterans they serve. This session will demonstrate how this innovative new app offers a single log-on to conveniently document immunizations for multiple patients.
August 2017
Learn more about Rx Refill
Learn more about Rx Refill, an app that gives Veterans an additional online option to request and track prescription refills from their mobile device for more on-the-go flexibility. Veterans using Rx Refill can request refills for eligible active medications, keep track of medications, monitor the status of refill requests and track medication refills through the VA Mail Order Pharmacy – anywhere, at any time. This session demonstrates how to use the app and how easy it is for Veterans to find their accurate and up-to-date prescription information.
July 2017
Learn more about Mobile Blue Button and Summary of Care
With the Mobile Blue Button and Summary of Care Apps, Veterans have an easy way to access and manage their Electronic Health Record (EHR). This webinar explains how Veterans will be able to use these apps to access, graph and even print data such as lab results, surgeries and medications from anywhere with their mobile device.
June 2017
Learn more about VA Video Connect
The June Discussion Series covers VA Video Connect, a mobile and web-based application that connects Veterans with their VA care teams using encrypted video. Through the app, Veterans can see and talk to their health care team from anywhere, making appointments more convenient and reducing travel and wait times. Learn more about connecting with Veterans, and how the VA Video Connect App helps provide more information for health care teams and those working with Veterans.
May 2017
Learn more about Patient Viewer
Learn more about Patient Viewer, an app that makes it easier for VA care teams to find information quickly from patients’ Electronic Health Records (EHRs) from the convenience of a mobile device. The app helps care teams gain immediate access to EHR data— including labs, notes, medications and more— both in a VA facility and on the go. This session covers how clinicians view Veteran medical profiles, write free text notes on the go and more.
April 2017
Learn more about Annie
Learn more about Annie, a Short Message Service (SMS) text messaging system that promotes self-care for Veterans enrolled in VA health care. Veterans using Annie receive automated prompts set up by their clinicians to track, monitor and report how they are doing. The webinar covers how VA care teams can set up prompts with Annie, send educational messages and distribute system messages for their VA medical center location.
March 2017
Introducing Mobile Kidney
The Mobile Kidney App is currently being developed to help patients and their VA care team monitor several indicators of kidney health. This session covers features of the app, which can keep track of Veteran patient data like weight, blood pressure, pulse and glucose levels. Veteran users will have the ability to set reminders to log in, enter information, share updates and receive messages from their VA care team.
February 2017
Learn More about DS Logon
VA is developing several apps to help Veterans access their own personal health information and stay in touch with their VA care teams. These apps connect to the Electronic Health Record (EHR) and require the user to have a secure logon. This logon, called DS Logon Level 2 (Premium), enables Veterans to log in securely to VA and DoD websites and apps using a single username and password.
This session covers how DS Logon differs from other logons, includes information about how a Veteran can register for an account and goes over where to find DS Logon resources.
January 2017
Learn More about the Remote Veterans Apnea Management Platform (REVAMP)
The Remote Veterans Apnea Management Platform (REVAMP) enables Veterans with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) to be evaluated and treated without needing to travel to a VA sleep center. Veterans diagnosed with OSA who use REVAMP receive equipment for treatment, which records sleep and breathing statistics. Data are transmitted wirelessly so both Veterans and practitioners can monitor treatment effectiveness. This session provides an overview of REVAMP, how it works and plans for the future.
December 2016
Learn More about the Hearing Aid Distance Fitting Application (HADFA)
The Hearing Aid Distance Fitting Application (HADFA) allows care providers to remotely make adjustments to a Veteran’s hearing aids, while simultaneously holding a video conference with the Veteran using VA Video Connect. Connected Care (10P8), Rehabilitation & Prosthetic Services (10P4R) and VHA Innovation (10P8) collaborated with industry hearing aid manufacturers to create HADFA for Veterans and care providers to use through iOS and Android operating systems. This session provides an overview of the app and offers information about what’s in store for the future.
November 2016
Learn More about the Veteran Appointment Request App
Interested in learning more about the Veteran Appointment Request App (VAR)? VAR is a new, mobile approach to scheduling VA appointments that makes it easier for Veterans to request primary care and mental health appointments at VA facilities where they receive care, view appointment details, and even schedule certain primary care appointments directly through a calendar in the app. This session provides an overview of the app, feedback and results from field testing, and what’s in store for the future.
October 2016
Introducing VA PUR
The VA Pressure Ulcer/Injury Resource (VA PUR) App is a new app designed to help Veterans and their Caregivers learn about preventing pressure ulcers/injuries, and to provide Veterans and Caregivers with tools to manage their health. The app allows users to create journal entries to track pressure ulcers/injuries, set reminders to move, eat and take medications, learn more about improving daily care practices, locate nearby VA medical facilities, and more. This session provides an overview of the app, feedback from the first users at the Philadelphia VAMC, and next steps for deployment.
September 2016
What's New with the VA Mobile App Store
Learn more about the latest updates on the VA App Store, tips and tricks for navigating the site, and what’s in store for the future. This session will provide an overview of what you can find on the VA App Store, including training materials, videos, and more. You’ll also get a sneak peek at the new VA Beta App Store, which allows users to sign up to be the first to test new apps prior to national launch, as well as the new Office of Connected Care website, which serves as a one-stop portal to access information about VA digital health technologies.
August 2016
Introducing ClinicalKey
Learn more about ClinicalKey, an app and clinical search engine that helps VA care teams find resources that provide clinical guidance and help them make better decisions anywhere, anytime, in any patient scenario. By providing access to a common source of trusted clinical content and evidence, ClinicalKey is designed to help reduce unnecessary tests, treatments and errors, and integrate with VA’s electronic health record (EHR) to become a natural extension of the workflow for VA care teams. This session provides an overview of both ClinicalKey and ClinicalKey for Nursing, a resource specifically for nurses.
July 2016
Introducing the VisualDx App
Learn more about VisualDx, an app that gives VA health care professionals access to a massive image library to help aid diagnosis right from their mobile device. VisualDx lets health care professionals look up more than 40,000 of the best medical images in the world to compare visual presentations of disease, dermatologic, ophthalmologic, and mucosal — all of which capture the variation of disease presentation by age, skin type, body location, severity and more. This session provides an overview of the app, and how it can be used to help VA health care teams.
June 2016
Introducing Nursing Shift Companion
Learn more about Nursing Shift Companion, an app that helps VA nurses to streamline their workflow and track patient data during their nursing shifts. Using the app, VA nurses can add a patient to the clinician’s tracking list, create single-instances and recurrent custom tasks, mark tasks complete, create a Nurse Shift Report detailing all completed tasks performed during a shift, and more. This session provides an overview of the app, and how it can be used to help VA health care teams.
May 2016
Behind the Scenes: How Product Effectiveness Supports VA Mobile
Learn more about how Product Effectiveness has worked with various stakeholders to collect user feedback about the Provider Program and VA Mobile apps, the results from the Product Effectiveness studies, and lessons learned for teams who are developing apps or deploying mobile devices. This session provides a behind the scenes look of how the teams work together and some of the results seen thus far.
April 2016
Managing Stress with the Moving Forward App: An Overview
Learn more about Moving Forward, an app that helps users learn problem solving skills to overcome obstacles and deal with stress. Designed for Veterans and Servicemembers, but useful for anyone with stressful problems, it is especially helpful in managing challenges such as returning to civilian life, financial difficulties, relationship problems, coping with physical injuries, and more. The Moving Forward app and online course were developed by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Department of Defense (DoD) and mental health subject matter experts across the country.
March 2016
How to Conduct Human Factors Engineering (HFE) Compliance Reviews
Learn more about the self-certification program developed by the Human Factors Engineering office that will teach mobile app project team members how to conduct HFE compliance reviews. These reviews include a UI design certification and a heuristic evaluation, which will help optimize the usability and utility of mobile apps in development. This session provides an overview of the self-certification program, how to conduct HFE compliance reviews and how the program can help during the app development process.
February 2016
Introducing Ask a Pharmacist
Learn more about Ask a Pharmacist, a new mobile app that consolidates VA resources to give Veterans easy access to trusted VA sources for information on VA medications and pharmacies. The app helps Veterans find their local pharmacy, learn about their medications—including how to identify their pills by sight—and more.
January 2016
Introducing Patient Viewer
Learn more about Patient Viewer, an app currently in field testing that makes it easier for VA care teams to find information quickly from patients’ Electronic Health Records (EHRs) from the convenience of a mobile device. The app helps care teams gain immediate access to EHR data— including labs, notes, medications and more— both in a VA facility and on the go.
December 2015
Introducing the Veteran Appointment Request App
Introducing a new, mobile approach to scheduling VA appointments: the Veteran Appointment Request (VAR) App. Learn more about VAR, an app currently in field testing that makes it easier for Veterans to request primary care and mental health appointments at VA facilities where they receive care, view their appointment schedule, and even schedule certain primary care appointments directly through a calendar in the app.
November 2015
Introducing the Safe Patient Handling App
Designed to particularly help direct care providers including nurses, physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialists and Imaging staff, the Safe Patient Handling App offers a blend of techniques and tools to prevent injury of both health care professionals and the patients they care for. This session provides an overview of the app’s tools and how it can be used to help both Veterans and care teams.
October 2015
Introducing the VA TeleDerm App
Introducing a new, mobile approach to teledermatology: the VA TeleDerm App. The app provides a secure way to capture, store and view clinical digital images, complete consults and more, creating a streamlined process for providing teledermatology services quickly and effectively. This session provides an overview of VA TeleDerm, what kind of information it provides, and how to use it.
September 2015
Introducing the Immunization Campaign App
Interested in new mobile tools for VA care teams? In Fall 2015, VA is field testing and preparing for a wider launch of Immunization Campaign - a new mobile app for care teams that helps providers and clinicians manage the administration of vaccines to multiple patients. The app also gives VA staff easy, mobile access to patient flu vaccine records and immunization history, including contraindications and or other precautions. This session covers an overview of the development of the Immunization Campaign App, and how it will help VA care teams care for patients and streamline their workflow during flu season.
August 2015
Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry: Year in Review
In 2014, VA launched the Airborne Hazards and Open Burn Pit Registry, an online questionnaire and voluntary registry that helps Veterans and Servicemembers learn about risks and health issues associated with airborne hazards—such as smoke from burn pits, oil-well fires or pollution during deployment—and about the health resources available to them through VA. This session provides an overview of the registry’s successes and lessons learned from the first year.
July 2015
311VET: VA’s App for Veterans’ Benefits Questions
Have you heard about 311VET? The convenient new app from VA gives Veterans a new way to get quick answers to their benefits related questions about pension, education, medical, disability, loans and more. This session provides an overview of 311VET, what kind of information it provides, and how to use it.
June 2015
Introducing Women's Health Apps: Preconception Care and Caring4Women Veterans
Learn more about how these two apps can help VA and non-VA health care teams care for women Veterans. This session provides an overview of how these apps can be used by health care teams to incorporate preconception care into primary care visits, and treat the specific physical and mental health needs of women Veterans.
May 2015
VA Mobile Contracting
Learn more about VA’s process of contracting for mobile app development, including what kind of apps VA develops, which elements of app development are contracted out, what VA is looking for in its mobile app contracts and how contracts are awarded.
April 2015
VA Mobile Health Provider Program: The First Year
VA’s Mobile Health Provider Program gives VA care teams mobile technology to help them improve patient care. Learn more about the first year of the program, and what’s coming up in year two.
March 2015
Introducing MOVE!® Coach: VA’s Weight Management App
MOVE!® Coach provides access to MOVE!®—VA’s successful weight management—from a mobile device. Learn how MOVE! Coach works, and how it can help Veterans meet their health goals.
February 2015
Mobile Access to Medical Imagery: VA’s Imaging Viewing Solution
Learn how Imaging Viewing Solution integrates with VA’s Electronic Health Record to give VA care teams mobile access to diagnostic-grade medical imaging.
December 2014
VA Mobile Branding
Learn more about VA Mobile branding guidelines, why branding is important and how it fits in with the VA’s mobile development process.
November 2014
What VA Mobile App Business Owners Need to Know
Learn what VA Mobile app business owners need to know to help guide an app through the complete development lifecycle.
October 2014
Meet Annie, VA’s New Mobile Messaging System
Learn more about how Annie, VA’s new mobile text messaging system, was developed, and how it can help Veterans track their health data.
September 2014
Mobile Development Tools
Learn more about the VA app development life cycle and the tools VA uses for project management and collaboration.
August 2014
VA Mobile Framework
Learn more about the tools and infrastructure required to develop a mobile app at VA with an in-depth look at the VA Mobile Framework used to help developers understand how VA Mobile apps are built.
July 2014
VA App Development Frequently Asked Questions
This inaugural session of the VA Mobile Discussion series, hosted by Shawn Hardenbrook, Director of the Connected Health Office’s Web and Mobile Solutions team, featured an overview of VA Apps currently in development.
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