The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that it completed transferring patient data for approximately 88,000 veterans to its new electronic health record (EHR) solution as the agency prepares for the system’s launch at Mann-Grandstaff VA Medical Center (VAMC) in Spokane, Wash.
“Giving our VA clinicians quick, secure access to patient data means we are making progress to improve Veteran safety and health outcomes,” VA Secretary Robert Wilkie said. “Moving and organizing the data ensures Veteran information is readily available for clinicians at Mann-Grandstaff as part of this historic modernization program.”
The migration was completed on Oct. 1 and includes clinical and demographic data for veterans. The migration, VA said, “equips VA health care providers with a longitudinal view of patient information when using the EHR Modernization (EHRM) solution.”
Further, VA’s EHRM program will continue over the next few years and expects to roll out new software until the system is in place nationwide at all VA facilities by 2028.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused delays in converting facilities to its new EHR capabilities, but in early August, Sec. Wilkie said that October was the target month to implement changes.
“Beyond COVID-19, the VA strategy will remain flexible and agile while continuing to consider other factors that might require modifications to the order of facilities that will implement the new EHR solution,” the agency said in an August press release.
