Imagine a heal approach that begins with a veteran
exploring what really matters to him, and from there building a personalized
health plan that addresses his whole health.
Envision that veteran supported by a health care team with the tools and technology
to monitor, support, coach, and interact with him as he
acts upon his plan. Picture the veteran taking charge of his life
and health, building new skills, and connecting with other veterans.
We in the VA are on our way to making this approach to care
deliver... a reality.
We're optimizing existing resources and investing in innovative technology
and existing services to empower veterans to achieve their best health.
When we are successful we will lead our nation in creating an
exemplary interactive health care experience. That will result in the
best possible health outcomes for those we serve.
Let's see the future of VA health care in action. After multiple tours of
duty, Joe struggles with chronic pain. Today he comes to
the VA to discuss treatment options with his doctor. Across town,
Linda has a health crisis and is admitted to a VA hospital.
Both Joe and Linda get the immediate care that the need,
but the new VA experience does not stop there.
Joe and Linda complete their my story personal health inventory, which helps them
explore their life, their health needs, and most importantly their priorities.
Joe wants to feel better so that he can be a better dad,
but pain and weight gain are holding him back. Linda wants to finish
school and get back to work, but high blood pressure and diabetes
have slowed her progress. Together with their health care teams, Joe and Linda
use their personal health inventory to create their personal health plan,
Which helps them achieve their goals. Joe wants to become more
connected with friends and family, and focus on working the body.
He is eager to try yoga as a way to move his body and connect with others.
Linda has been struggling to loose weight. She decides
to focus on power of the mind to reduce her stress, a factor
in her weight, blood pressure, and diabetes. The personal health
inventory and personal health plan are just two of our many tools
to support veterans. During her hospitalization Linda uses
interactive patient care technology from the GetWellNetwork to interact
with her health care team, review tailored patient education,
and lear relaxation techniques. Both Joe and Linda will continue
to use interactive tools throughout their journey toward health for life.
Fast forward a month and Joe is back for a followup visit.
His doctor has reviewed his progress on his health plan and recent
lab results. Joe is engaged again with friends and has made
new connections through his yoga classes. He adds a focus on
food and drink, and his doctor encourages Joe and his wife to attend
a video conference on healthy, mindful eating. Meanwhile Linda's
VA health coach invites her to a virtual mindful class.
Linda attends the class and share what she learned with her social network that
she has built with supportive family and friends. In the months and years
that follow Joe and Linda continue to use their personalized health
plan as a dynamic guide. They periodically revisit what matters
in their life and adjust their priorities and goals. Joe and Linda
initially came to VA to get treatment for their conditions
but they found a whole health approach that helped them discover what really matters
in their lives. They learned how to build the skills that they need
on their journey and developed the support to help them achieve better
health and well being. For more information please
visit the VA office of patient centered care and cultural transformation website