The Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General Office of Healthcare Inspections has recommended Iowa City (Iowa) VA Health Care System address leadership issues to avoid potential patient safety problems.
Senator Charles E. Grassley requested the VA OIG review Iowa City VA Health Care System due to reports the Senator received claiming low quality of care and a lack of response to staff members' concerns.
The OIG found that while the hospital maintains quality of care, leaders' lack of response to staff's concerns is a risk for patient safety. Specifically, there was a prolonged period when key leadership positions were filled on a temporary basis and decisions were delayed or never made, according to the report.
The OIG made the following recommendations:
1. The Veterans Integrated Service Network should ensure the health system's leaders respond appropriately to identified problems and communicate action plans to staff.
2. System leaders need to clarify organizational lines of authority and responsibility to include expectations for committee reporting.
3. The system needs to strengthen processes so all required participants consistently attend environment of care rounds, and fire and life safety inspections need to be conducted annually at the community-based outpatient clinics.
4. The system should establish written policies for the management of drug shortages.
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Senator Charles E. Grassley requested the VA OIG review Iowa City VA Health Care System due to reports the Senator received claiming low quality of care and a lack of response to staff members' concerns.
The OIG found that while the hospital maintains quality of care, leaders' lack of response to staff's concerns is a risk for patient safety. Specifically, there was a prolonged period when key leadership positions were filled on a temporary basis and decisions were delayed or never made, according to the report.
The OIG made the following recommendations:
1. The Veterans Integrated Service Network should ensure the health system's leaders respond appropriately to identified problems and communicate action plans to staff.
2. System leaders need to clarify organizational lines of authority and responsibility to include expectations for committee reporting.
3. The system needs to strengthen processes so all required participants consistently attend environment of care rounds, and fire and life safety inspections need to be conducted annually at the community-based outpatient clinics.
4. The system should establish written policies for the management of drug shortages.
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