  The American Veteran's On-Line News Magazine Click here to make VA Watchdog dot Org your homepage VA NEWS FLASH from Larry Scott at VA Watchdog dot Org -- 01-07-2009 |
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The American Veteran's On-Line News Magazine Click here to make VA Watchdog dot Org your homepage VA NEWS FLASH from Larry Scott at VA Watchdog dot Org -- 01-07-2009 |
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SOFTWARE -- "When switching from a patient's record to a second patient's record ... the first patient's information may still be displayed in the second patient's ... display, impacting patient care decisions."
Story below: Your comments accepted at bottom of page.
by Larry Scott
VistA / CPRS is the VA's healthcare software. It stands for: Veterans Health Information Systems and Technology Architecture / Computerized Patient Record System.
But, like any software, it can have bugs or glitches. In November of 2008, VA released a patch for the CPRS software (CPRS PATCH# OR*3.0*304). The Release Notes for the patch detailed the problems they were trying to correct. First, let's take a look at the VistA / CPRS screen your healthcare provider sees when they log on.
You will see the patient's name and other identifying information along with active problems, active meds, vital signs, lab results and more. The problem that the VA has tried to patch is this: If a provider logs on to work with patient #1, completes their work, then moves on to patient #2, the information for patient #1 may still be displayed on the screen. (NOTE: The VA put out a Patient Safety Advisory to all facilities regarding this problem on October 10, 2008. That document is here. This was a "heads up" while the techies were working on the patch.) The patch Release Notes states:
The complete Release Notes document is here for viewing or downloading. The above raises many questions.
But, just above that it states that "When switching from a patient’s record to a second patient’s record .. the first patient’s information may still be displayed." So, which is it? Just "Orders" and "Notes" or the main screen as well? Either way, the provider gets the wrong information about the patient they are seeing. The most alarming part of the above is this: "It is not known at this time if data entered for the second patient will be placed in the incorrect record." What we have here is the electronic version of the Shredder Scandal. We will never be able to determine the damage done to veterans because we have no idea how long this has been going on and how many errors have been made.
IN A NUT SHELL:
VA claims they have "patched" the problem. But, that's no solace for veterans who could have received improper care or medication. Or for veterans who now may have incorrect information in their medical records. The only way a veteran can protect him- or herself at this point in time is to get a copy of their VA medical records and go over EVERY page looking for inaccuracies. If an error is found, the veteran can take the record to their VA provider for a correction or addendum. Just like the Shredder Scandal, it's time for the VA to step forward, talk publicly about this problem, and encourage veterans to check their records for any errors. -------------------------
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