Community Based Outpatient Clinic and Primary Care Clinic Reviews at VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System, Topeka, Kansas

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
14-00914-190
VISN
State
Kansas
Missouri
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
10
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The VA Office of Inspector General reviewed the Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and primary care clinics (PCCs) of the VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System. The purpose of the review was to determine whether the CBOCs and PCCs provide safe, consistent, and high-quality health care for our veterans. The review covered the clinical care components of alcohol use disorder and medication management and evaluated if processes were in place for designated women’s health providers to maintain proficiency in women’s health. We also randomly selected the Chanute, KS; Fort Scott (Bourbon County), KS; and Garnett, KS, CBOCs for site visits during the week of May 5, 2014, to evaluate the environments of care. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made 10 recommendations in the following reviews: Alcohol Use Disorder and Environment of Care.

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 external signage clearly identifies the building as a VA CBOC at the Garnett CBOC.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that fire drills are performed every 12 months at the Garnett CBOC.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the door to the examination room designated for women veterans is equipped with an electronic or manual lock at the Garnett CBOC.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended processes are strengthened to ensure women veterans can access gender-specific restrooms without entering public areas at the Garnett CBOC.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the information technology server closets at the Chanute and Fort Scott CBOCs are maintained according to information technology safety and security standards.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that managers conduct environment of care rounds semi-annually at the Garnett CBOC.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the parent facility include staff at the Chanute, Fort Scott, and Garnett CBOCs in required education, training, planning, and participation in annual disaster exercises.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the parent facility’s Emergency Management Committee evaluate the Chanute, Fort Scott, and Garnett CBOCs’ emergency preparedness activities, participation in annual disaster exercises, and staff training/education relating to emergency preparedness requirements.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that CBOC/Primary Care Clinic staff consistently complete diagnostic assessments for patients with a positive alcohol screen.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that CBOC/Primary Care Clinic Registered Nurse Care Managers receive motivational interviewing and health coaching training within 12 months of appointment to Patient Aligned Care Teams.