title: VHA mental health information system: applying health information technology to monitor and facilitate implementation of VHA Uniform Mental Health Services Handbook requirements.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the design and deployment of health information technology to support implementation of mental health services policy requirements in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).
  
  
  METHODS
  Using administrative and self-report survey data, we developed and fielded metrics regarding implementation of the requirements delineated in the VHA Uniform Mental Health Services Handbook. Finalized metrics were incorporated into 2 external facilitation-based quality improvement programs led by the VHA Mental Health Operations. To support these programs, tailored site-specific reports were generated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Metric development required close collaboration between program evaluators, policy makers and clinical leadership, and consideration of policy language and intent. Electronic reports supporting different purposes required distinct formatting and presentation features, despite their having similar general goals and using the same metrics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Health information technology can facilitate mental health policy implementation but must be integrated into a process of consensus building and close collaboration with policy makers, evaluators, and practitioners.
authors: Program Evaluation and Resource Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA.
authors: Jodie A
authors: JA
authors: Trafton
authors: Greg
authors: G
authors: Greenberg
authors: Alex H S
authors: AH
authors: Harris
authors: Sara
authors: S
authors: Tavakoli
authors: Lisa
authors: L
authors: Kearney
authors: John
authors: J
authors: McCarthy
authors: Fredric
authors: F
authors: Blow
authors: Rani
authors: R
authors: Hoff
authors: Mary
authors: M
authors: Schohn
mesh_terms: D006787:Hospitals, Veterans / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008490:Medical Informatics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016134:Organizational Policy; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D058996:Quality Improvement; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs / Q000458:organization & administration*