The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), the largest integrated healthcare system in the U.S., is dedicated to providing top-notch care to veterans. A key method to ensure this commitment is by continuously comparing the quality of VA-delivered healthcare against care in non-VA settings, including community care programs. Recent systematic reviews rigorously analyze these comparisons to keep veterans, healthcare providers, and policymakers informed. This updated report, building on previous findings, provides a current overview of VA and non-VA healthcare quality.
Key Insights into Healthcare Quality and Safety
A comprehensive review of over 50 studies focusing on non-surgical care and 24 studies on surgical care reveals important trends in healthcare quality and safety. The majority of these studies conclude that VA healthcare meets or exceeds the quality of care provided in community settings. Specifically, when examining quality and safety metrics, VA facilities consistently demonstrate outcomes that are as good as, or even better than, those in non-VA community care environments. This finding underscores the VA’s dedication to maintaining high standards in patient care and safety.
Access, Cost-Efficiency, and Patient Experience
While quality and safety show a clear advantage or parity for VA care, other domains present a more nuanced picture. Studies assessing access to care and cost-efficiency are more evenly split. Some indicate VA care excels, others show comparable performance between VA and community care, and some suggest community care may be more efficient or accessible in certain situations. However, in patient experience, the reviews indicate VA care is generally on par with or surpasses community care. Notably, no study found patient experience to be superior in non-VA community care settings compared to VA facilities.
Conclusion: VA Healthcare Stands Strong in Quality
Overall, the evidence from numerous studies consistently points to the strength of VA healthcare. For veterans making informed decisions about their healthcare, these findings are crucial. The data suggests that receiving care within the VA system typically means receiving healthcare that is at least as good, and often better, in terms of quality and safety, compared to options outside the VA, including Non Va Care Programs. This ongoing review process ensures the VA remains accountable and committed to delivering the highest quality healthcare to the veteran community.
Further Reading:
- Apaydin EA, Paige NM, Begashaw MM, et al. Veterans Health Administration (VA) vs. Non-VA Healthcare Quality: A Systematic Review. Journal of General Internal Medicine. 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-023-08207-2.
- Blegen M, Ko J, Salzman G, et al. Comparing Quality of Surgical Care Between the US Department of Veterans Affairs and Non-Veterans Affairs Settings: A Systematic Review. Journal of the American College of Surgeons. Published online May 8, 2023. DOI: http://doi.org/10.1097/XCS.0000000000000720.
