VA Health Care: Telephone Service Should Be More Accessible to Patients
HRD-91-110
Published: Jul 31, 1991. Publicly Released: Jul 31, 1991.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO identified ways in which Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers can decrease the amount of time nurses spend on nonclinical activities, focusing on benefits of providing telephone service to patients in their rooms.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Veterans Affairs | The Secretary of Veterans Affairs should develop and implement a plan to provide telephone service in patients' rooms in VA hospitals. |
Closed – Implemented
VA did not develop a formal written plan for providing telephone access at all VA medical centers; however, as of May 14, 1996, it had completed installation of bedside telephones in 126 of its medical centers. Installation of telephones in the remaining medical centers is expected to be completed by late 1996.
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Topics
Appropriated fundsFeesHealth care cost controlHealth care personnelNursesPatient care servicesProductivity in governmentQuality of lifeStaff utilizationTelephonesVeterans hospitals