Combined Assessment Program - Evaluation of Polytrauma Care in Veterans Health Administration Facilities

OIG completed an evaluation of polytrauma care in Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine whether VHA facilities complied with selected requirements related to screening, evaluation, and coordination of care for patients affected by polytrauma. OIG evaluated polytrauma care at 57 facilities during reviews conducted from October 1, 2011, through September 30, 2012. Fifty-four facilities had Combined Assessment Program reviews, and separate visits were made to three facilities. OIG identified five areas where VHA facilities needed to improve compliance. OIG recommended that: (1) VHA perform a detailed analysis of workload and resource use to determine whether there is continued need for the numbers of sites at the current levels and whether changes in the requirements for dedicated polytrauma resources are needed; (2) Level IV sites performing comprehensive traumatic brain injury evaluations have approved alternate plans; (3) clinicians consistently complete traumatic brain injury evaluations within 30 days of positive screens; (4) the case management process meets requirements; and (5) staff caring for polytrauma patients have the documented competencies required for caring for these patients.