Using media to promote communication and collaboration: The rural veteran provider network

After discharge from military service, rural Veterans experience disparities in receiving proper health care. Exacerbating this issue is the fact that many rural health providers lack robust professional networks to exchange information and collaborate on Veteran patient's specific health challenges. Rural Veteran providers have expressed their desire for collaboration, but have never had an appropriate medium for meaningful communication and discussion. The Rural Veteran Provider Network (RVPN) is a project that deploys new media tools and program support infrastructure to promote communication and collaboration to create an online environment where providers, both inside and outside the VA system, can share experiences and discuss innovative health care techniques related to their Veteran patients. The RVPN is a unique product, specifically designed to integrate into existing communication, information security, knowledge management, and/or change management plans. The network will include: information and resources (a library), education and training opportunities (a classroom), professional networking and information exchange (the traditional social network), and a collaborative research environment (a lab). The project team completed a base-line assessment of existing social media tools, area hospitals and medical centers, as well as Veteran outreach organizations so that the RVPN is targeted towards rural Veteran providers in the South Central VA Health Care System. The team developed a beta version of the RVPN and user acceptance testing begins in March. The RVPN creates new professional networks that rural Veteran health providers have traditionally lacked, which will ultimately lead to a higher quality of care for rural Veterans.