What use is the audit arm of the OIG at VA?

Sgt Spencer Sikder — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 13:52:59 -0400

http://www.va.gov/oig/pubs/VAOIG-15-03063-511.pdf

This report speaks to the understaffing of medical professionals at VA. I am perplexed that under the scope and methodology they don't have reference to some medical standard. It seems to be all based on VA's perspective of healthcare. I like that they state "regrettably" providers have left VA, but little to the reasons why they left. What use is this report? I can't even wipe my butt with it since it's electronic!

Response by 1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 1 at 2015 2:07 PM

1stSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 14:07:45 -0400

I wonder how long it will take for the recommendations to be acted on.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Sep 1 at 2015 2:34 PM

CAPT Kevin B. — Tue, 01 Sep 2015 14:34:27 -0400

I'm surprised, actually not, at how the report and analysis stops short on talking about the drivers of losses and recommendations on turning that around. You need to plug the leaks in the ship before you can go full speed. I used to work in the medical side before becoming an engineer and my wife has spent her life in it. The nursing side is easy to figure. VA has an aging demographic that they didn't get ahead of and the "regrettable loss???" has a high burnout component. Pissed off nurses pull the entire system down because they treat the other services like radiology and respiratory like crap. They'll leave too. That plays the same in the commercial sector. Other than that, it's an attempt at quantifying what's more painful to the provision of services. I'm a systems type and would have a lot of questions about the approach, etc. but can't make any conclusion about the overall validity either way.