GEQI Coaching Services

The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System (VAGLAHCS) VA Geriatric Scholars Program had a requirement for an expert to provide group coaching, feedback, and support for primary care providers implementing quality improvement projects in geriatrics. This included leading monthly coaching calls, assisting with project development and reporting, responding to participant questions, and offering guidance on relevant geriatric topics throughout the program. The unique characteristics that limited availability to only one source were based on Shari Wingard’s extensive, specialized experience in quality improvement coaching specifically with VA clinicians enrolled in the VA Geriatric Scholars Program. Ms. Wingard has over eight years of direct experience coaching VA clinical employees in this exact program and possesses a deep, working knowledge of both VA policies and the educational curriculum. Her proven track record ensures a seamless continuation of the coaching services without the need for additional ramp-up time or training, which is critical for maintaining the quality and timeliness of the program. No other vendor or academic institution contacted had the ability to provide staff with the required expertise and availability to deliver these services. Engaging any other provider would have resulted in substantial duplication of cost, delays, and risk to program outcomes that could not have been recovered through competition, making Ms. Wingard the only responsible source capable of meeting the VA’s requirements.