Veterans Organization Launches Initiative to Modernize VA Healthcare Services
TL/DR –
The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) has initiated a project aimed at modernising healthcare operations across the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The project, led by former VA secretary David Shulkin, will focus on several key areas including suicide prevention, opioid-free pain management, toxic exposure, community care, payment reform, transparent reporting of VA performance data, and creation of VA centers for complex and specialized conditions. One priority is to explore the use of non-opioid, FDA-approved pain medications and other treatment advances, particularly given that chronic pain is the number one clinical symptom found in veteran suicide autopsy reports.
Modernizing Veterans Healthcare: A Thorough Initiative by Veterans Organization
Modernization of Veterans Healthcare Project is an initiative led by the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), aiming to streamline healthcare practices across the Department of Veterans Affairs. Priorities include suicide prevention and opioid-free pain management.
Former VA secretary David Shulkin, who also served as undersecretary of health and head of Veterans Health Administration, is at the helm of the project. Shulkin describes it as a collaborative effort that aims to provide a galvanizing call for all those advocating for veterans’ health issues.
The project currently outlines seven priority areas for enhancing veterans’ healthcare services, including suicide prevention, opioid-free pain management, toxic exposure issues, community care, payment reform, public reporting of VA performance data, and creation of VA centers of excellence for complex conditions.
Modernization Initiative – A Collaborative Approach
IAVA CEO Kyleanne Hunter emphasizes that this initiative aims to bring together various stakeholders, like veteran service organizations, researchers, policymakers, veterans, etc., to help modernize VA healthcare operations. The main goal is to incorporate advancements in healthcare, like technology, telehealth, and early preventive screenings, to ensure veterans receive state-of-the-art care.
Notably, suicide prevention remains a crucial focus, given the stable high number of veteran suicides despite increased funding for suicide prevention initiatives. VA’s existing efforts in this area include a machine learning tool that identifies veterans at high risk of suicide.
Fighting Chronic Pain and Suicide with Non-Opioid Treatments
Another focus of the project is to explore the use of non-opioid, FDA-approved pain medications and other treatment advances. Chronic pain is a significant factor contributing to veteran suicide, and the project seeks to tackle it effectively. Current treatment methods often involve opioids, which lead to opioid use disorder and substance abuse, further increasing suicide risk.
IAVA plans to roll out a dedicated website for the project, publish quarterly reports, and launch a dashboard to track progress. They are also seeking to engage with subject matter experts and outside organizations to ensure a comprehensive approach.
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