Abstract

Using Network Analyst to Potentially Partner VA With Community Resources
Track: Health and Human Services
Authors: Lauren Wilson, Eric Litt

Using Network Analyst we measured hypothetical improved access partnering VA with community resources in rural areas.

VA patients within/outside 60 minutes to VHA primary-care in VISN 19 were identified using Network Analyst to create "new service area" and then employing a spatial join. Similar methods were used on existing community facilities to determine how many Veterans would be within 60 minutes of primary-care if community resources partnered with VA.

Coverage could increase by 15.2%. Strategic site selection was performed: Denver/Colorado Springs and Salt Lake City would each expand coverage up to 30,000 and between 20,000 previously underserved patients, respectively.

Network Analyst tools effective in determining increase in geographic access and impact in cases i.e. partnering VA
resources with existing community resources. Coverage could extend to include 99.7% of all patients in observed area.


Increase access to primary-care/encourage VHA enrollment/usage. Further research needed to verify this is viable policy option.