VA Boosts Antimicrobial Stewardship with Tech Partnership and Industry Veteran

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 11, 2025 – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is doubling down on efforts to combat the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) through a strategic partnership with healthcare technology company Bitscopic. The collaboration centers on the implementation of Bitscopic’s PraediAlert platform, designed to unify data and improve Veteran safety through better antimicrobial stewardship, and is spearheaded by the appointment of Kelly Echevarria, Pharm.D., BCIDP, as National Program Expert for Clinical Stewardship Solutions.

Addressing a Critical Challenge

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant and escalating public health crisis, impacting healthcare systems globally and within the VA. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of complications and mortality. The VA, as one of the largest integrated healthcare systems in the United States, has been proactive in addressing this challenge, mandating antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) across its facilities well before it became a national requirement. However, sustaining effective programs requires ongoing investment and innovation.

“The VA has long recognized the importance of antimicrobial stewardship,” said one industry analyst familiar with the VA’s initiatives. “But maintaining momentum and adapting to new resistance patterns requires robust data analytics and effective tools. This partnership with Bitscopic appears to be a significant step in that direction.”

PraediAlert: Unifying Data for Improved Outcomes

Bitscopic’s PraediAlert platform aims to address the limitations of traditional antimicrobial stewardship approaches by unifying clinical, pharmacy, and microbiology data into a single, accessible system. This comprehensive data integration allows for real-time surveillance, automated alerts, and guided workflows, enabling clinicians to make more informed decisions about antibiotic use. The platform also emphasizes interoperability, a crucial factor for a large and complex healthcare system like the VA.

“One of the biggest hurdles in antimicrobial stewardship is the fragmentation of data,” explained a clinical pharmacist involved in implementing similar systems. “Having a unified view of patient information – including lab results, medication history, and clinical notes – is essential for identifying patients at risk for infection and optimizing antibiotic therapy.”

The system is designed to not only improve patient care but also to reduce the burden on clinicians by automating routine tasks and providing actionable insights. The implementation of role-based access and audit trails ensures data security and compliance.

A Veteran Leader at the Helm

The appointment of Kelly Echevarria as National Program Expert is a key component of the VA’s strategy. Echevarria brings over 25 years of experience within the VA, with a strong background in infectious diseases and national leadership in antimicrobial stewardship. She previously co-led the National VA Antimicrobial Stewardship Task Force, supporting programs across more than 150 facilities. Her deep understanding of the VA’s unique challenges and opportunities will be invaluable in driving the adoption and effectiveness of PraediAlert.

“Echevarria’s experience is critical,” commented a healthcare consultant specializing in hospital infection control. “Implementing a new system requires more than just technology; it requires someone who understands the clinical workflow, the culture of the organization, and the needs of the clinicians. Her leadership will be essential in ensuring that PraediAlert is successfully integrated into the VA’s existing infrastructure.”

Echevarria’s role is not simply to oversee the technical implementation of PraediAlert, but to also help VAMCs standardize key metrics, translate data into actionable insights, and operationalize optimal stewardship workflows. The collaboration with Bitscopic's product teams will ensure that frontline needs are incorporated into future platform improvements.

Building a Community for Best Practices

Bitscopic is further bolstering its commitment to the VA by launching the ‘PraediAlert Roundtable for VA Clinical Stewardship,’ starting in December 2025. The Roundtable will serve as a forum for clinicians and program leaders to share best practices, discuss real-world challenges, and engage with Echevarria and other subject matter experts. The quarterly meetings, supplemented by ongoing online discussions, aim to foster a community of practice dedicated to advancing antimicrobial stewardship within the VA.

“Creating a space for collaboration and knowledge sharing is essential for continuous improvement,” noted a program manager involved in national healthcare initiatives. “By bringing together clinicians from different VAMCs, the Roundtable can help disseminate best practices and accelerate the adoption of innovative approaches to antimicrobial stewardship.”

The Roundtable signifies Bitscopic's intention to build a lasting partnership with the VA, focused on driving innovation and improving Veteran safety through data-driven insights and collaborative learning. The company emphasizes its decade of experience working within federal healthcare and its commitment to understanding the unique needs of the VA system. The focus on community-building, combined with the technological capabilities of PraediAlert and the leadership of Echevarria, positions the partnership as a significant step forward in the fight against antimicrobial resistance within the Department of Veterans Affairs.