Pathfinder, a website and digital tool launched in June of last year by the Department of Veterans Affairs, is designed to facilitate connections between external innovators, vendors, and VA employees in order to improve health care delivery for Veterans.
One of the main goals of Pathfinder is to provide a guided process for VA employees who have ideas to improve Veteran health care but may not know where to go with them. The platform connects these employees with the Office of Healthcare Innovation and Learning, allowing them to further develop their ideas through programs like Innovators Network or Diffusion of Excellence.
In addition to internal innovations, Pathfinder also welcomes ideas and proposals from external companies and innovators. It serves as a gateway for these entities to propose their solutions to the VA, which then conducts research to determine if the ideas can be implemented to enhance Veteran health care.
Under the leadership of VA Entrepreneur in Residence Fellow Stacey Lewis, Pathfinder aims to transform how businesses innovate and sell within the VA health care system. Lewis, who has been with VA for over 10 years, brings her expertise in performance improvement, management, and strategic planning to enhance the Pathfinder experience. Her goal is to align processes across offices in a transparent and thoughtful manner to achieve positive outcomes together.
Pathfinder serves as a front door to innovation at the VA, fostering a culture of innovation and opening doors to new products and services. It provides users, whether they are external innovators or potential vendors, with tools, resources, and opportunities available within the VA. The platform also offers personalized feedback from VA staff and leadership, enabling a collaborative approach to innovation.
The platform supports innovation at all stages of development. From ideation to prototype testing and even selling to the VA, Pathfinder provides guidance, feedback, and access to resources. There is also a dedicated space for those who are interested in engaging with innovation but do not yet have a specific idea.
Pathfinder has the potential to transform care for Veteran communities by ensuring that the best and most innovative solutions are brought to the VA. It streamlines the procurement and innovation processes, making it easier for vendors and innovators to navigate and collaborate with the Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you have an idea for improving Veteran health, the Pathfinder’s website is the place to explore opportunities and access resources. Click here to visit the Pathfinder website and explore further.
Author: Rikki Almanza
Rikki is a Web Content Coordinator for the American Legion, Department of California. With a deep-rooted connection to the military, a spouse who is a Navy veteran, a father who served in the Air Force for 25 years, and a grandfather who proudly served, Rikki is committed to using her skills and knowledge to provide valuable assistance and resources to servicemembers and veterans.