What Next?
High on the list for further improvements is VA's commitment to reduce delays and waiting times for patients. Partnering with the Boston-based Institute for Health Care Improvement, VA is determined to reduce overall delays and waits system-wide by 50 percent or more in 2000. Doing this "will improve medical outcomes and positively affect patient satisfaction, costs, and quality of life," said Secretary West.
Teams from approximately 130 VA medical centers and outpatient clinics are working together to learn and implement proven techniques. The teams are focusing on patient flow, access, and efficiency at outpatient clinics.
"More timely service and less complex systems can be achieved by redesigning our systems of care," said Dr. Garthwaite. "Our ultimate goal in this initiative is to enhance quality of care and improve patient satisfaction."
For more information, visit the VA Internet site.
3/24/00
