VAOIG Evalution of VA Quality Management Programs

Healthcare Inspection Evaluation of Quality Management in Veterans Health Administration Facilities Fiscal Year 2008 05/19/09. The evaluation was conducted to determine whether Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities had comprehensive, effective quality management (QM) programs designed to monitor patient care activities and coordinate improvement efforts and whether VHA facility senior managers actively supported QM efforts and appropriately responded to QM results. Although all 44 facilities reviewed had established comprehensive QM programs and performed ongoing reviews and analyses of mandatory areas, 2 facilities had significant weaknesses. Senior managers at all facilities reported that they support their QM programs and actively participate. To improve operations, we recommended that VHA: Critically analyze patient complaints and take actions when trends are identified. Actively monitor medication reconciliation. Review medical records for inappropriate use of the copy and paste functions and raise the system-wide fix to a higher priority. Reinforce compliance with moderate sedation monitoring requirements. Ensure that the length of privileges granted to physicians matches the length of the employment association. VAOIG