Combined Assessment Program Review of the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, Louisiana

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
13-04242-61
VISN
State
Louisiana
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
5
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The purpose of the review was to evaluate selected health care facility operations, focusing on patient care quality and the environment of care. During the review, OIG provided crime awareness briefings to 210 employees. This review focused on six operational activities. The facility complied with selected standards in the following two activities (1) continuity of care and (2) management of workplace violence. The facility’s reported accomplishments were the Community Resource and Referral Center for homeless veterans, non-veterans, and their families and the Interdisciplinary Pain Management Program for veterans with complex pain issues who require treatment from multiple specialties. OIG made recommendations for improvement in the following four activities: (1) quality management, (2) environment of care, (3) women’s health, and (4) medication management.

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 Operative/Invasive Procedures Committee meet monthly, include the COS as a member, and document its review of National Surgical Office reports.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that processes be strengthened to ensure that infection prevention risk assessments prioritize risks for acquiring and transmitting infections.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that processes be strengthened to ensure that orders for mammograms are entered in CPRS and that compliance be monitored.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
We recommended that processes be strengthened to ensure that clinicians screen patients for tetanus vaccinations at clinic visits.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA)
We recommended that processes be strengthened to ensure that clinicians document all required vaccine administration elements and that compliance be monitored.