Infection Control: VA Programs Are Comparable to Nonfederal Programs but Can Be Enhanced
HRD-90-27
Published: Jan 31, 1990. Publicly Released: Jan 31, 1990.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals' infection control programs, focusing on: (1) whether VA used infection control data to prevent future infections; (2) whether VA infection control programs were adequately staffed and organized; and (3) VA infection control programs' effectiveness compared to nonfederal hospital programs.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Veterans Affairs | The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should direct the Chief Medical Director, VA, to update VA infection control guidance. At a minimum, the guidance should require components similar to those in the basic GAO infection control program elements. |
The VA Chief Medical Director stated that VA infection control guidance has been revised and updated. VA published VHA directive 10-92-033 to accomplish this revision and update.
|
| Department of Veterans Affairs | The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should direct the Chief Medical Director, VA, to designate a single unit in the VA central office to oversee its infection control programs, including: (1) coordinating the central office's policies and procedures; and (2) implementing a mechanism for sharing information among practitioners. |
According to internal VA correspondence from the Chief Medical Director dated March 14, 1990, the Director of Medical Service has been designated as the VA Central Office focus for the infection control program. The Director will be assisted in this responsibility by the Infectious Disease Field Advisory Group.
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| Department of Veterans Affairs | The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should direct the Chief Medical Director, VA, to incorporate procedures in regional office survey requirements to ensure that each medical center's infection control program is adequately reviewed. |
VA has established a mechanism for each medical center to report on infection control activities, infection rates, staffing equipment, and other needs. This will allow Central Office officials and regional directors to monitor the program and provide the resources needed.
|
| Department of Veterans Affairs | The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should direct the Chief Medical Director, VA, to require center directors to reexamine the level of managerial support and resources given to their infection control programs and to provide additional support where appropriate. |
VA has established a mechanism for each medical center to report on infection control activities, infection rates, staffing equipment, and other needs. This will allow Central Office officials and regional directors to monitor the program and provide the resources needed.
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Topics
CentralizationHospital administrationEmployee trainingStaff utilizationInfectious diseasesInspectionManagement information systemsMedical information systemsMonitoringVeterans hospitals