The Department of Veterans Affairs is having more problems with customer service, and this time, it could be deadly.
The VA’s suicide hotline center in Canandaigua, New York, has gotten so many calls that some calls have been going to voicemail. “We substantiated allegations that some calls routed to backup crisis centers were answered by voicemail, and callers did not always receive immediate assistance” from the crisis center or its backup, the VA’s Office of Inspector General reported last week.
With the Rise of AI, What IP Disputes in Healthcare Are Likely to Emerge?
Munck Wilson Mandala Partner Greg Howison shared his perspective on some of the legal ramifications around AI, IP, connected devices and the data they generate, in response to emailed questions.
Management of the center didn’t provide enough initial or ongoing training for social service assistants on the hotline, the OIG found. There also were questions about how much training backup staff received.
Ironically, USA Today reported, this center was the subject of an Oscar-winning 2013 film, “Crisis Hotline: Veterans Press 1.” The HBO documentary took home the Academy Award last year for best documentary, short subject.
In this video, the filmmakers discuss their movie.
A Personalized Approach to Medication Nonadherence
At the Abarca Forward conference earlier this year, George Van Antwerp, managing director at Deloitte, discussed how social determinants of health and a personalized member experience can improve medication adherence and health outcomes.
Photo: Flickr user Ryan_M651
