VA Set to Restart Electronic Health Records Deployments After Major Improvements

More than 18 months after the Veterans Administration (VA) paused new deployments of its Oracle electronic health records (EHR) system, the agency is now ready to restart implementations as part of its extensive modernization efforts. This decision follows a careful evaluation aimed at enhancing patient safety across various VA health systems and rebuilding trust among veterans regarding their healthcare services. The VA's commitment to improving its EHR system comes in the wake of significant operational disruptions that previously hindered the deployment process. Since the last outage over 200 days ago, the agency has engaged in a rigorous review of the system, partnering closely with Oracle officials to develop hundreds of improvements. This includes updating contractual obligations to ensure accountability — a move designed to enforce compliance with key performance metrics and to provide monetary credits for failures when they occur. As a result of these efforts, the VA announced that it is now planning new deployments for 2026. Assistant Secretary Tanya Bradsher emphasized the positive outcomes that have emerged during the reset period, noting an increase in outpatient trust scores at all VA locations utilizing the Oracle Health EHR system. For example, trust scores saw significant improvements at several facilities, with Columbus VA in Central Ohio achieving a score of 93%, a remarkable 11.6% increase. The agency has also reported a substantial reduction in EHR outages, with the system functioning without interruption for 10 of the past 16 months and experiencing only minor disruptions in the remainder of the time. This enhanced reliability means that veterans can expect minimal delays in their care, significantly improving their overall experience. The decision to freeze new deployments was initially announced by VA Secretary Denis McDonough in April 2023, with a focus on addressing identified issues at five specific locations. This pause has proven fruitful, as veteran trust scores across various locations have risen notably. For instance, Walla Walla VA reported an 88% trust score, an increase of 4%, while Mann-Grandstaff VA in Spokane saw a 3.5% rise to 92%. Despite the challenges faced, the VA's recent performance indicates a successful trajectory, with a highlighted exception being the Chicago VA health care system's integration of the Oracle Health EHR earlier in the year. This transition reportedly resulted in increased productivity, showcasing the potential benefits of the EHR modernization project. Looking ahead, the VA aims to engage further discussions on scheduling future go-lives by the end of the year, aligning with expectations that upgrades will continue to enhance service delivery for veterans. However, the agency remains cognizant of the findings from the Office of Inspector General, which reported inconsistencies in the VA and Oracle Health's responses to outages. The agency acknowledges the need for ongoing improvements to mitigate risks and prevent system failures that could adversely affect veterans. As the VA embarks on this new chapter of EHR implementation, it stands committed to listening to the voices of veterans and healthcare providers, striving to create a system that not only meets the demands of modern healthcare but also restores confidence among those who have served the nation. As Bradsher stated, "We paused EHR implementation for over a year and a half to listen to veterans and physicians, understand the issues and make improvements to the system. As a result of these efforts, veterans' confidence and system performance has improved across the board."