The Age-Friendly Health Systems Team at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is being recognized for spearheading a transformative initiative to enhance healthcare services for aging Veterans through the Age-Friendly Health Systems (AFHS) framework. This framework, developed by the John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, focuses on the "4Ms" – What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility – to improve health outcomes and patient satisfaction among older adults.

 

Key achievements include:

• Widespread Adoption: As of March 2024, 90% of VA facilities are implementing the 4Ms in various care settings, underscoring the extensive reach and adoption of age-friendly practices.

• Action Community Success: The team successfully recruited 440 clinical teams from 129 VA facilities for the 2024 VA Age-Friendly Action Community, the largest in AFHS history. This initiative supports teams through webinars and coaching calls to implement and refine the 4Ms.

• Recognition and Improvement: The VA Age-Friendly Team facilitated a significant increase in recognitions: from 263 to 349 care settings at Level 1 (Participant) and from 129 to 169 settings at Level 2 (Committed to Care Excellence). These recognitions signify successful implementation and measurable improvements in care delivery.

• Innovation and Collaboration: By fostering a culture of innovation, the team empowers clinicians to adapt and implement VA-specific innovations like VIONE and STRIDE. These innovations enhance medication management, mobility programs, and overall care quality for older Veterans.

• Educational and Supportive Community: Managing an online community of practice with over 1,500 members, the team facilitates knowledge-sharing and collaboration among clinicians nationwide. This platform supports continuous improvement and dissemination of best practices.

• Organizational Integration and Leadership: Breaking down organizational barriers, the team collaborates across VA departments and with external partners to integrate the 4Ms into various healthcare domains. Their efforts are recognized and shared internationally, positioning VA as a leader in age-friendly care.

  
Public Benefits:

• Enhanced Care Alignment: Over 247,503 4Ms assessments have been conducted, focusing care on what matters most to nearly 64,000 older Veterans. An additional 734,890 Veterans have explored patient priorities through various care conversations, collectively reaching over 2.99 million older adults.

• Improved Clinical Outcomes: Clinicians report positive impacts including reduced readmissions, enhanced discharge processes, and improved facility rankings. These outcomes highlight the effectiveness of the 4Ms framework in delivering high-quality, person-centered care to Veterans.

  
In summary, the VA Age-Friendly Team's efforts have not only transformed care delivery for aging Veterans but also set a standard for integrating age-friendly practices across healthcare systems. Their dedication to innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement ensures that Veterans receive personalized, effective care aligned with their preferences and needs, ultimately improving their overall health outcomes and quality of life.