The bar code system allows providers to scan patients' wristbands to determine how much, when, and what type of medication the patient needs. This system ensures that the right medication gets to the right patient. With computerized records, the staff are able to access patient information instantaneously from all providers on each patient, regarless of the distance between facilities. Additionally, the Salt Lake City Health Care System has a program of external peer review to ensure adequacy of patient records and compliance with preventive and chronic care standards. An aggressive patient incident reporting and correction system is in use at all Salt Lke City affiliated facilities.
Efforts continue to improve patient safety with accident review boards and risk management programs.
The challenge to care for these men and women is met through a variety of programs, including more than 100 nursing home care units in medical centers, adult day care, home health aide services and community residential care, contracts with 3,500 community nursing homes, and support to 97 state veterans homes. Additionally, VA conducts nationwide research on the causes and treatment of Alzheimer's and other dementias, and funds 20 geriatric research centers. Geriatric primary care clinics treat the complex health care needs of elderly veterans. VA researchers led the way in developing the cardiac pacemaker, the CT scan, magnetic source imaging, and improving artificial limbs. The VA Salt Lake City Health Care System has 220 active research investigations that produce knowledge, techniques and products leading to improved prevention, diagnosis, treatment and control of disease.