Online Program

Oral

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA), comprised of 152 hospitals and over 1700 outpatient clinics, is the largest integrated health care system in the U.S. Widely recognized for its longstanding investment in health information technology and strong focus on quality and safety, VHA has responded to new challenges facing veterans in the 21st century. Of particular note, newer veterans differ from their older counterparts with respect to demographics, burden of behavioral challenges and chronic illnesses, and acute needs for rehabilitation. This session will describe innovative approaches to addressing three specific areas that illustrate the potential for new partnerships between health care and public health to improve overall population health: Approaches to tobacco cessation among population groups with the greatest challenges; Responses to unique health issues of the increasing numbers of women veterans; Strategies for greater access for all veterans, regardless of where they live, through leverage of VHA’s investments in connected health.

Session Objectives: Describe organizational interventions for health care systems to address challenges resulting from changing demographics and health needs Discuss the 'integrated health care system' as a model to address pressing public health challenges Identify appropriate use of information technology to improve health and sense of community

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)