Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection of Facilities’ COVID-19 Pandemic Readiness and Response in Veterans Integrated Service Networks 2, 5, and 6

This Office of Inspector General (OIG) Comprehensive Healthcare Inspection Program (CHIP) report provides a focused evaluation of Veterans Integrated Service Networks (VISNs) 2, 5, and 6 facilities’ COVID-19 pandemic readiness and response. This evaluation focused on emergency preparedness; supplies, equipment, and infrastructure; staffing; access to care; community living center patient care and operations; facility staff feedback; and VA and VISNs 2, 5, and 6 vaccination efforts. The OIG has aggregated findings on COVID-19 preparedness and responsiveness from routine inspections to ensure information is provided in a comprehensive manner, given the changing landscape as infection rates and demands on facilities continue to shift. Findings of inspected medical facilities are grouped by VISN, which are regional systems that provide oversight of medical centers in their area. This report, the fourth in a series, describes findings on COVID-19 practices from healthcare inspections performed within VISNs 2, 5, and 6 during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal year 2021 (April 1 through September 30, 2021). It provides a more recent snapshot of the pandemic’s demands on these facilities’ operations based on data compiled as of September 2021. Additionally, it includes information on COVID-19 vaccination efforts, based on a review of VA’s vaccination statistics as of September 29, 2021. Interviews and survey results provide additional context on lessons learned and perceptions of readiness and response. This report aims to provide the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system with relevant information to use in its efforts toward innovation and transformation to meet the healthcare needs of our nation’s veterans.