CHSR assisted the Veterans Administration (VA) Health Care Upstate New York to identify potential non-VA collaborators and models of care that are in place or can be implemented to improve access to services for veterans in rural areas of the state.

The Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) of upstate New York, includes six medical centers (located in Albany, Batavia, Bath, Buffalo, Canandaigua, and Syracuse) and 29 community based outpatient clinics (CBOC's) in 49 counties. The challenge of delivering quality health care for veterans is intensified for those living in rural areas.

Evaluation & Research

CHSR staff reviewed research on evidence-based models of care for improving health service delivery in rural areas. The review informed the development of an on-line survey for all medical center directors and community based outpatient clinic managers. The survey provided a baseline assessment of current rural community collaborations and referral practices, and identified perceived barriers to and benefits of collaborations with non-VA providers.

For more information, contact Dr. Lynn Warner