Paralyzed Veterans of America "Cautiously Optimistic" on New VA Patient Record System

Streamlined patient record system could fulfill critical care component for clinicians

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Jun 05, 2017, 22:03 ET

WASHINGTON, June 5, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Paralyzed Veterans of America (Paralyzed Veterans) today expressed restrained yet hopeful support of Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary David Shulkin's announcement the VA will adopt the same Electronic Health Record (EHR) System currently used by the Department of Defense (DOD) to maintain veteran healthcare data.

By adopting the current DOD system, known as MHS GENESIS, the VA intends to improve interoperability to streamline patient care and protect healthcare data. It will replace the VA file recordation system, Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture (VistA) that it's utilized since the 1970s.

"Removing VistA from the VA system of care is long overdue, and Paralyzed Veterans of America is pleased Secretary Shulkin has exercised his authority to declare it a priority," remarked Associate Executive Director of Medical Services Lana McKenzie, RN, MHA, CCM. "It will be up to Congress to adequately fund it, and for the VA to correctly build and operationalize the new system before we will be able to declare this a complete victory for our veterans."

To date, VA and DoD have worked with limited efficiency in two separate EHR applications in an attempt to create a consistent and accurate view of individual medical record information. While some interoperability has been established between the two agencies for key aspects of the health record, seamless care has been constrained by changing information sharing standards, separate chains of command, separate implementation schedules, separate program offices that have separate funding appropriations, and other related issues.

"Technological integration of DOD, VA and community sector care is a tremendous undertaking that could vastly improve patient care," concluded McKenzie. "Timely access to patient data translates into timely diagnosis and timely treatment, so it is a critical component to patient care. If it comes to fruition, the new system could positively impact veteran healthcare for future generations. Paralyzed Veterans will be closely watching this initiative."

About Paralyzed Veterans

Paralyzed Veterans of America is the only congressionally chartered veterans service organization dedicated solely for the benefit and representation of veterans with spinal cord injury or disease. For 70 years, we have ensured that veterans have received the benefits earned through their service to our nation; monitored their care in VA spinal cord injury units; and funded research and education in the search for a cure and improved care for individuals with paralysis.

As a partner for life, Paralyzed Veterans also develops training and career services, works to ensure accessibility in public buildings and spaces, provides health and rehabilitation opportunities through sports and recreation and advocates for veterans and all people with disabilities. With more than 70 offices and 33 chapters, Paralyzed Veterans serves veterans, their families and their caregivers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico (pva.org).

SOURCE Paralyzed Veterans of America