Connect

The inaugural year of UVA Health’s Spark Innovation Competition, with the theme of improving the clinical environment, has ended with the announcement of six ideas selected for implementation. The competition, which was established to leverage the wisdom, energy, and dedication of our team members and bring positive change to our organization’s culture, was a resounding success and will run again next year with a theme of improving the research environment.

The six ideas were selected from the 11 winning ideas chosen during the first round of judging by the Spark Project Team, which was led by Andrew Southerland, MD, Department of Neurology, and included 20 members from diverse roles and departments across UVA Health. The competition organizers originally planned to select three ideas for implementation, but expanded that number to six due to the quality and value of ideas submitted. Selection was determined by the idea’s scope of impact, feasibility of implementation, and long-term sustainability of effort. Full details and presentations of the winning ideas can be found here. 

Ideas selected for implementation:

• Ann Mercer, Peri-Operative Services | Paint the parking garages with murals or bright colors with improved wayfinding 
• Dr. Miriam Gomez-Sanchez, Hospital Medicine | Establish wellness space for exercise within the hospital for employees 
• Richard Rose, Telemedicine | Create integrated mobile app that guides patients where to go during their appointments 
• Dr. Bob Goldstein, Anesthesiology | Expand access to medication reclaim boxes 
• Dr. Christie Schaeffer, Plastic & Maxillofacial Surgery Resident | Improve lactating experience for team members 
• Dr. Carrie Kovacik, Pharmacy Resident | Offer free feminine supplies in bathrooms 

More Spark Ideas Are Moving Forward

The majority of all ideas submitted were focused on patient experience, which demonstrates how patient-centered team members are in their thinking. In an effort to maximize the positive impact of all Spark participants, every entry was shared with a leader overseeing the area affected by the idea. After being reviewed and assessed by these leaders, many proposals are now being considered for implementation or are undergoing implementation. As a result of this added support, even more of the tremendous ideas received from team members are being brought to life throughout the organization. 

Visit the Spark website to follow progress and learn about the great ideas submitted by UVA Health team members. 

Read Related News on Connect

• Spark Innovation Competition: First-Round Winners
• How a Resident Used the Spark Competition to Turn an Idea Into Real Change