With Federal EHR, VA steps forward to advance healthcare for Veterans

The Federal EHR: Real stories, real impact

When it comes to delivering health care to Veterans, transitioning to the Federal Electronic Health Record (EHR) is a change that’s paying off with safer and more efficient patient care.

In this new video about the Federal EHR, we hear from three VHA leaders who speak to the positive impact of the Federal EHR, and how it demonstrates VA’s commitment to continue adapting to meet the healthcare needs of our Veterans.

VISN 4 Network Director Fernando Rivera recalls the days of paper records and the initial shift to electronic record keeping. Then, as now, Rivera said the principal concern among clinicians was patient safety. And just like before, those concerns are being alleviated today by the move to a more advanced patient records system.

“This transition to a more modern record—a better integrated record, one that streamlines processes—makes us more efficient from the perspective of the patient; but most important, ensures safe patient care,” Rivera said.

For Armenthis Lester, chief communications manager for Health Service Area 5.2/5.5, moving to the Federal EHR reflects VA’s determination to keep improving.

“This transformation means that VA is demonstrating that it is, in fact, a living organization that is always evolving to meet the needs of our ever-evolving patient population,” Lester said.

Rachel Wendel, director of change management for the Electronic Health Record Modernization Integration Office (EHRM-IO), calls the Federal EHR a “once-in-a-lifetime transformation” for VA healthcare sites and staff, and an investment that will return dividends for years to come.

“We are moving to a Federal EHR that is extremely powerful in terms of how we deliver healthcare to Veterans, not only today, but also in the future,” she added.

Watch “The Federal EHR: Real Stories. Real Impact.” to hear the whole story.