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Combined Assessment Program Summary Report – Evaluation of Mental Health Treatment Continuity at Veterans Health Administration Facilities

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
13-01742-188
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
2
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
OIG completed an evaluation of continuity of care for mental health patients at Veterans Health Administration facilities. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine whether patients who were discharged from acute mental health units received timely follow-up. OIG conducted this review at 24 facilities during Combined Assessment Program reviews performed from April 1 through September 30, 2012, and identified two areas where Veterans Health Administration facilities needed to improve compliance. OIG recommended that facilities take action to improve post-discharge follow-up for mental health patients, particularly those who were identified as high risk for suicide and that clinicians consistently follow up with patients who do not report to their scheduled mental health appointments and that all of these contacts be documented.

Open Recommendation Image, SquareOpenClosed and Implemented Recommendation Image, CheckmarkClosed-ImplementedNot Implemented Recommendation Image, X character'Closed-Not Implemented
No. 1
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with VISN and facility leaders, ensures that facilities take action to improve post-discharge follow-up for MH patients, particularly those who were identified as high risk for suicide.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Under Secretary for Health, in conjunction with VISN and facility leaders, ensures that clinicians consistently follow the required processes for patients who fail to report for scheduled MH appointments and document actions taken.