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Quality Management and Federal Workers' Compensation: The Veterans Health Administration Workers' Compensation Program Model

Objective: The federal workers' compensation program includes under a single employer five commonly encountered roles and responsibilities—injured patient, clinical provider, third-party administrator, adjudicator, and insurer. Data within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provide a unique opportunity to apply a simple model of health care quality improvement, exploring interactions between structures, processes, and outcomes. Methods: A facility survey identified reporting structures, levels of education and training, policies and processes, tool availability and use, and perceptions of role adherence. Administrative data included process and outcome metrics, including short-term disability, long-term disability, and lost time cases. Results: Improved collaboration between clinical and administrative staff within VHA and with the Department of Labor was associated with improved performance. Conclusions: Applying a clinical quality improvement model clarifies roles, expectations, and likely relationships for improved program management.