VA Adopts Resuscitation Quality Improvement Program Across 58 Medical Facilities

The American Heart Association considers Resuscitation Quality Improvement (RQI) training is considered the “gold standard” of training. And over the last 2 years, 58 VA facilities included this training for eligible VA staff, per a VA News release.

According to the release, “at the end of 2022, around 250,000 VA staff members had undergone training in RQI.” An RQI training provides simulation-based training for attendees, aiding in overall quality of CPR assistance. Out of the 58 VA medical facilities, there was a 100% staff adoption rate.

The move to adopt RQI training comes from an inspiring story from a VHA nurse named Megan, who intervened at a marathon to provide life-saving assistance to a marathon runner who went into cardiac arrest. Having had experience in Simulation Learning Evaluation, Assessment, and Research Network (SimLEARN) and its Resuscitation Education and Innovation portfolio (REdI), Megan was equipped with the tools to provide quality CPR, saving the runner’s life.

With the adoption of RQI training and SimLEARN’s REdI services, the VA can offer additional life-saving services to ensure the health of veterans.

Reference

Jeffers A. SimLEARN trainings save lives, even outside of the hospital. News release. VA News. Accessed May 16, 2024. Published May 15, 2024. https://news.va.gov/131164/simlearn-trainings-save-lives/