Date of Award

Spring 3-3-2015

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) equipment management system relies on antiquated technology and have limited functionality to track medical equipment. Its ability to identify equipment asset is limited, which may pose risks to veteran’s safety and limit VHA’s cost effectiveness. This study will determine if implementing a commercial off-the-shelf technology and applying Total Quality Management (TQM) concepts will improve accountability of medical equipment within a VA medical center serving approximately 350,000 veterans situated in a large size urban community in the western United States. The investigator will use data collected from key informant interviews and surveys on the topics of commercial off-the-shelf and total quality management concepts. The result of the study may be use to promote a change in organizational policies or be use as a model for VHA to pursue this route of innovation. Consequently, this study may be used to find other means of managing equipment throughout the 152 medical centers within Veterans Health Administration.

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