VHA Innovative Model Analysis
Analyze the Veteran’s Health Administration’s patient centered medical homes (PCMHs) and patient-aligned care teams (PACTs). See case study number two, p.184 of Health Policy and Politics, A Nurses Guide, by Milstead. What design, implementation, evaluation, and program techniques would you use to ensure the success of this model? What flaws do you see in the implementation of this program?
Include at least 3 references
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Introduction:
The Veteran’s Health Administration’s patient-centered medical homes (PCMHs) and patient-aligned care teams (PACTs) are essential to providing quality care to veterans. The success of these programs depends on proper design, implementation, evaluation, and program techniques. This answer will provide recommendations on ensuring the success of this model and identify flaws in its implementation.
Answer:
To ensure the success of the VHA’s PCMHs and PACTs model, several design, implementation, evaluation, and program techniques should be employed. Firstly, a comprehensive needs assessment should be conducted to identify the specific needs of veterans. Secondly, clear guidelines should be established on how to identify eligible patients. Thirdly, an effective electronic health record (EHR) system should be put in place to facilitate care coordination and transfer of medical records across different healthcare settings.
Other key recommendations include ensuring effective communication between team members, providing continuous education, training, and guidance to team members, developing patient-centered care plans, and adopting evidence-based practices. Proper evaluation and monitoring of the PCMH and PACTs model is crucial in identifying the program’s strengths and identifying opportunities for improvement.
While the VHA’s PCMHs and PACTs model is a step in the right direction, some flaws need to be addressed. Firstly, there is a need for increased collaboration between healthcare providers and veterans. Secondly, there is a need to improve the referral process and ensure that veterans are connected to appropriate resources. Lastly, Continuous improvement in the PCMH and PACTs model should be carried out through regular data collection and evaluation.
References:
1. Health Policy and Politics, A Nurses Guide, by Milstead, P. (2016).
2. Rodriguez, H. P., Meredith, L. S., Hamilton, A. B., & Yano, E. M. (2013). Huddle up!: The adoption and use of structured team communication for VA medical home implementation. Health care management review, 38(4), 292–302.
3. Finley, E. P., Mader, M., Bollinger, M. J., Haro, E. K., Garcia, H. A., & Huynh, A. K. (2014). Implementing smoking cessation guidelines for hospitalized veterans: effects on nurse attitudes and patient outcomes. Journal of healthcare quality: official publication of the National Association for Healthcare Quality, 36(1), 33–43.