Review of Community Based Outpatient Clinics and Other Outpatient Clinics of Alaska VA Healthcare System, Anchorage, Alaska

Report Information

Issue Date
Report Number
15-00166-531
VISN
State
Alaska
District
VA Office
Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
Report Author
Office of Healthcare Inspections
Report Type
Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program
Recommendations
11
Questioned Costs
$0
Better Use of Funds
$0
Congressionally Mandated
No

Summary

Summary
The VA Office of Inspector General conducted a review of the Alaska VA Healthcare System’s Community Based Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) and other outpatient clinics to evaluate for safe, consistent, and high-quality health care. The review evaluated the clinics’ compliance with selected VHA requirements for alcohol use disorder care, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) screening, outpatient documentation, and outpatient lab results management. We also randomly selected the Fairbanks CBOC, Fort Wainwright, AK, as a representative site and evaluated the environment of care on August 4, 2015. OIG noted opportunities for improvement and made 11 recommendations in the following focused review areas: Alcohol Use Disorder Care, HIV Screening, Outpatient Lab Results Management, 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 managers ensure review of the hazardous materials inventory occurs twice within a 12-month period at the Fairbanks CBOC.
No. 2
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that staff store clean supplies separate from infectious materials at the Fairbanks CBOC.
No. 3
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinic staff consistently complete diagnostic assessments for patients with a positive alcohol screen.
No. 4
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinic staff consistently document the offer of further treatment to patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence.
No. 5
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that Clinic Registered Nurse Care Managers receive motivational interviewing training within 12 months of appointment to Patient Aligned Care Teams.
No. 6
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that providers receive health coaching training within 12 months of appointment to Patient Aligned Care Teams.
No. 7
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Facility Director defines the requirements for communication of human immunodeficiency virus test results.
No. 8
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinicians provide human immunodeficiency virus testing as part of routine medical care for patients and that compliance is monitored.
No. 9
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinicians consistently document informed consent for human immunodeficiency virus testing and that compliance is monitored.
No. 10
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that the Facility Director ensures that the facility's written policy for the communication of laboratory results includes all required elements.
No. 11
Closed and Implemented Recommendation Image, Checkmark
to Veterans Health Administration (VHA)
We recommended that clinicians consistently notify patients of their laboratory results within 14 days as required by VHA.