Aaron Eagan, deputy director for innovation at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, shared early data from an analytics-driven mental health program April 19 at the American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council's Health Innovation Day in Washington, D.C., Federal News Radio reports.
Mr. Eagan's presentation focused on Reach Vet, or the Recovery Engagement and Coordination for Health-Veterans Enhanced Treatment, a program that applies a predictive model to the VA's EHRs to identify patients at risk for suicide.
A VA mental health or primary care provider will reach out to these at-risk veterans to review their conditions and treatment plans. The goal is to provide veterans with preemptive care even before they exhibit suicidal tendencies.
The program has reached 30,000-plus veterans since its nationwide launch one year ago. Patients who engaged with the program showed up to more mental health and primary care appointments and were admitted to mental health inpatient units less frequently, according to Mr. Eagan.