# Innovators Network-Population factors, Organizational Capacity, Workflow and Resources (INPOWR)

> **NIH VA I50** · EDITH NOURSE  ROGERS MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSPITAL · 2021 · —

## Abstract

The QUERI/HSR&D centers in Bedford/Boston, Durham, Palo Alto, and Portland jointly submit
this proposal titled “Innovators Network-Population factors, Organizational capacity, Workflow
and Resources (INPOWR)”. The energy and strength of the Innovators Network stem from the
diversity of Network participants and sites nationwide and from the broad range of projects led
by front-line employees. To assess impact, therefore, our team must begin by ascertaining the
goals and motivations of participants, then use this knowledge to understand how success is
defined across these varied settings and projects. Only with this understanding will it be
possible to accurately measure impact. Using mixed-methods, our evaluation will answer three
questions: 1) Who participates in Innovators Network? 2) Why do they participate? (what are
their expectations for impact at the site and project level?) and 3) What is the impact of
Innovators Network participation? Within the 33 Innovators Network sites (VA facilities), there
can be multiple S-S-S projects. To answer the above three questions, we must perform
evaluations at the level of the site and at the level of the projects (within-site). We propose the
following Specific Aims: Aim 1 Examine Innovators Network site characteristics and
expectations for impact (SITE and PROJECT level). Subaim 1a. Using quantitative analyses,
identify organizational factors associated with Network participation (e.g. applying to be a
Network site; applying for S-S-S Investment funds). Subaim 1b. Through qualitative interviews
with Site Leadership, Innovation Specialists and select project leads, describe site-level
experiences with participation in the Network, define expectations for participation and explore
in what ways, for whom, and in what contexts expectations for participation were met. Subaim
1c. Develop a Typology of S-S-S project characteristics, expected impacts and recommended
metrics. Aim 2. Measure the impact of Innovators Network SITE participation, using mixed-
methods. Subaim 2a. Use qualitative data from interviews with Network participants to identify
and understand site-level impacts of participation. Subaim 2b. Use existing survey data to
identify impacts of site participation on employee experience. Subaim 2c. Develop, pilot and
implement a measure of Innovation Climate in Network sites. Aim 3. Measure the impact of
Innovators Network PROJECTS, including factors associated with success, sustainability and
return on investment (ROI). Subaim 3a. Using Aim1 metrics for success, measure observed vs
expected project outcomes Subaim 3b. Use qualitative data from interviews to deepen
understanding of project impacts Subaim 3c. Conduct a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis on
selected projects. Our Team, led by our Project Coordinating Center (Bedford) is organized
around four Expert Groups. This ‘Expert Group’ structure draws on the unique expertise
housed at each of our four sites. Quantitative Data Management will be...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10181051
- **Project number:** 5I50HX002616-03
- **Recipient organization:** EDITH NOURSE  ROGERS MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** Sarah LeLeiko Cutrona
- **Activity code:** I50 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-04-01 → 2021-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10181051

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10181051, Innovators Network-Population factors, Organizational Capacity, Workflow and Resources (INPOWR) (5I50HX002616-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10181051. Licensed CC0.

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