GAO: Veterans AFfairs’ EHR System Usability Needs Improvement

The Government Accountability Office reported that the Department of Veterans Affairs has not fully addressed usability and performance issues with its new electronic health record system.

GAO’s annual report identified 10 unaddressed recommendations, several of which focus on improving the VA’s oversight and management of the EHR system, Nextgov/FCW reported.

The recommendations include establishing user satisfaction targets, developing a department-specific change management strategy and ensuring timely resolution of system issues.

But while the VA acknowledged GAO’s recommendations and made some progress, the watchdog agency said further action is needed.

According to GAO, the VA updated its change management plan with Oracle Cerner and identified necessary metrics but has yet to develop a VA-focused policy. Additionally, the department conducted user satisfaction surveys but lacked established targets for assessment.

Lawmakers also urged the VA and Oracle Cerner to improve oversight of the EHR system’s performance and user satisfaction. Proposals from House and Senate Veterans’ Affairs committees echo GAO’s recommendations, including requiring the VA to provide user adoption and employee satisfaction metrics.

The VA is negotiating a new one-year contract with Oracle Cerner for the updated EHR system.