Emimlio Juan Brignardello Vela
Emilio Juan Brignardello Vela, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.
The Veterans Administration (VA) has announced plans to restart the implementation of its Oracle electronic health records (EHR) system after a significant hiatus aimed at addressing critical issues and enhancing patient safety. This decision follows over 18 months of halted deployments, during which the VA focused on refining the EHR system in collaboration with Oracle, with an emphasis on accountability and improving outcomes for veterans. During the pause, which included a comprehensive review of the EHR modernization program, the VA identified and addressed numerous system errors. This process also involved updating contracts with Oracle to include monetary credits for any failures to meet key performance metrics. As a result of these efforts, the VA is now preparing for new deployments in 2026, as announced by VA Assistant Secretary Tanya Bradsher. The impact of these improvements is already visible. Trust scores among veterans using the Oracle Health EHR have risen at all facilities involved in the modernization efforts. For instance, Columbus VA in Central Ohio has seen trust scores soar to 93%, an impressive increase of 11.6%. Walla Walla VA, Mann-Grandstaff VA in Spokane, Roseburg VA, and White City VA also reported notable gains in trust, reflecting a growing confidence in the system. In addition to improved trust, the VA's EHR system has demonstrated a marked reduction in outages. The agency reported that the system has functioned without interruption 100% of the time for ten of the past 16 months, and has averaged 99.8% uptime during the remaining months. This reliability means that veterans experience minimal delays in care, a critical factor in their treatment and overall satisfaction. The recent successes have not only restored some veterans' faith in the system but have also led to increased productivity in healthcare settings. The VA's Captain James A. Lovell Federal Healthcare Center in Chicago has reported a slight increase in trust scores as well, indicating that the rollout of Oracle Health EHR is showing positive results, despite earlier hiccups in deployment. Despite these advancements, the VA continues to navigate challenges. In September, the Office of Inspector General released an audit report highlighting the lack of coordination between the VA and Oracle in addressing system outages. This report underscored the need for consistent response standards and robust controls to manage the EHR effectively and mitigate risks. Looking to the future, VA Secretary Denis McDonough has indicated that discussions about scheduling new go-lives for the system will take place before the end of the year. As the agency prepares for these discussions, the emphasis remains on creating a more reliable and efficient EHR system that meets the needs of veterans and healthcare providers alike. In her statement, Assistant Secretary Bradsher emphasized the importance of the pause in implementation, noting that it was crucial to listen to feedback from veterans and healthcare professionals. "As a result of these efforts, veterans' confidence and system performance has improved across the board," she affirmed. The updates regarding the EHR system are a positive sign for the VA and the veterans it serves, indicating a commitment to continuous improvement and responsiveness to the needs of those who have dedicated their lives to serving the country. As the VA moves forward with its modernization efforts, the focus will remain on ensuring that every veteran receives the care and benefits they have earned.