The VA Research Enterprise: A Platform for National Partnerships Toward Evidence Building and Scientific Innovation

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Services Research
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) quickly established a substantial COVID-19 research program, managing over 900 projects across 100 facilities.
• This rapid expansion was driven by a pre-existing enterprise strategy focused on supporting clinical care, resource optimization, and research coordination.
• The VA's proactive strategy enabled dynamic partnerships with federal agencies, academic institutions, and industry to address the pandemic.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the VA's strategic approach to managing a large-scale research response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To demonstrate how an established enterprise strategy facilitated a swift and coordinated national public health emergency response.
• To underscore the importance of documenting strategies for future emergency preparedness and scientific innovation in veteran health.

Main Methods:

• Leveraging an existing enterprise-wide research infrastructure and strategy.
• Coordinating research activities across approximately 100 VA facilities nationwide.
• Fostering dynamic partnerships with external federal agencies, academic institutions, and industry.

Main Results:

• Within a year, the VA managed over 300 COVID-19 research projects, growing to more than 900 projects.
• The VA's research enterprise effectively supported its clinical care mission and national public health efforts.
• Swift action and consistent communication strengthened the VA's emergency response capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 pandemic provided critical lessons that advanced the VA's enterprise goals in health care.
• Sharing these unique processes and experiences will inform future collaborations among research, clinical, and public health communities.
• The VA's experience demonstrates a model for serving veterans and the nation through scientific innovation during health crises.