Level 4 Resource Kit

1. Level 4 Resource Kit A compendium of Performance Improvement Projects from Level 4 Partners

2. Level 4 Performance Improvement Plan Requirement “Develop and implement one or more Performance Improvement Project(s) (PIP), one of which must include NHPCO's Veteran Specific Questions (VSQs), in evaluation of care and services for Veterans.”

3. Getting Started How to access VSQ materials

4. Choosing a Veteran-Specific Question How can we better serve our patients? Identify a question where you see some room for improvement

5. VSQ 1 Did someone ask the patient about his/her military service and experiences? (For example, which branch of the military he/she served in or his/her dates of service?) Step 1: Identify an area for improvement

6. VSQ 1 Step 2: Make a Plan

7. VSQ 1 Step 3: Implement the Plan

8. VSQ 1 Step 4: Review the Results

9. VSQ 1 Step 5: Develop a new PIP or Continue Activities

10. VSQ 2 How often did the hospice staff take the time to listen to the patient’s stories and/or concerns related to his/her military experience? Step 1: Identify an area for improvement

11. VSQ 2 Step 2: Make a Plan

12. VSQ 2 Step 3: Implement the Plan

13. VSQ 2 Step 4: Review the Results

14. VSQ 2 Step 5: Develop a new PIP or Continue Activities

15. VSQ 3 Some Veterans near the end of life re-experience the stress and emotions that they had when they were in combat. Did this happen to the patient? • How often did the patient’s combat related stress make him/her uncomfortable? • How much help did the patient receive in dealing with his/her emotions related to combat related stress? Step 1: Identify an area for improvement

16. VSQ 3 Step 2: Make a Plan

17. VSQ 3 Step 3: Implement the Plan

18. VSQ 3 Step 4: Review the Results

19. VSQ 3 Step 5: Develop a new PIP or Continue Activities

20. VSQ 4 Would it have been helpful to have more information about VA benefits for surviving spouses and dependents? Step 1: Identify an area for improvement

21. VSQ 4 Step 2: Make a Plan

22. VSQ 4 Step 3: Implement the Plan

23. VSQ 4 Step 4: Review the Results

24. VSQ 4 Step 5: Develop a new PIP or Continue Activities

25. VSQ 5 Would it have been helpful to have more information about VA burial and memorial benefits? Step 1: Identify an area for improvement

26. VSQ 5 Step 2: Make a Plan

27. VSQ 5 Step 3: Implement the Plan

28. VSQ 5 Step 4: Review the Results

29. VSQ 5 Step 5: Develop a new PIP or Continue Activities

30. VSQ 6 Did the patient receive health care from the VA? Step 1: Identify an area for improvement

31. VSQ 6 Step 2: Make a Plan

32. VSQ 6 Step 3: Implement the Plan

33. VSQ 6 Step 4: Review the Results

34. VSQ 6 Step 5: Develop a new PIP or Continue Activities

35. FAQs Can hospices still use the Veteran Specific Questions for evaluation of hospice care and services for Veterans?

36. FAQs When should I administer the Veteran Specific Questions?

37. FAQs How do I utilize the Veteran Specific Questions for performance improvement?

38. FAQs Can I make changes to the Veteran Specific Questions?

39. FAQs What is the Bereaved Family Survey and how does it compare to the Veteran Specific Questions?

40. Still Have Questions? Reach out! veterans@nhpco.org