DISCUSSION

The Veteran’s Health Administration is adopting healthcare models of primary care to effectively engage patients (Professional Practice Model, 2010)

The model was developed conceptually in the 1960s to improve the coordination of care for children presenting complex healthcare needs The VHA PACT is defined as a patient-driven, team-based approach that provides efficient, comprehensive and continuous care through active communication and coordination of healthcare services to our Veterans “PACT” simultaneously addresses:

•rising costs •coordination of complex care •patient & staff satisfaction •meeting the acute & chronic healthcare needs of our veterans

Each Veteran patient requires a team to provide primary functions of the model, working with the patient to develop a life-long plan of healthcare, ensuring coordination of care and smooth transitions Its strength is based on strong relationships, and a partnership with the patient to achieve goals through self-management, health promotion, and disease prevention

VHA CONTRIBUTORS

Elizabeth A. Levine, PhD, RN Rúnar Pölluson, MSN, HCM, MBA, CEN, CHCR, RN-BC Diane Robateau, ARNP, MSN, CNS Debbie Sommer, RN, BSN,CCM Frances C. Downs, PhD, RN

(Patient Aligned Care Team)

REFERENCES

•Professional Practice Model in the Primary Care Medical Home, VHA Office of Nursing

Services, January, 2010

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