COMPARISON OF DEPARTMENT-OF-VETERANS-AFFAIRS PHARMACY SERVICES IN 1992 AND 1994 WITH STRATEGIC-PLANNING GOALS

Data were collected from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical c enter pharmacies in 1992 and 1994 to measure progress toward implement ation of the VA 1990 strategic plan. A questionnaire was pretested and mailed to pharmacy chiefs at all 173 VA medical centers (VAMCs) with pharmacies in 1992. The same questionnaire, with slight modifications consistent with revision of the strategic plan, was mailed in 1994. Us able responses were received from more than 80% of VAMCs in both years . The number and types of activities, services, and staffing at VAMC p harmacies varied with respect to automation, procurement, drug account ability, image, participation in professional organizations, professio nal role, pharmaceutical care activities, technicians, and research an d education. Compared with the 1992 results, the 1994 results indicate d greater pharmacist involvement in patient-education activities, expa nded roles for pharmacists in therapy and in pharmacokinetic services, and less use of pharmacists for distributive functions. In 1994, more facilities reported having an open pharmacy concept in place to encou rage direct patient care initiatives. VAMCs reported greater involveme nt in pharmacy education in 1994 than in 1992, with more VAMCs having affiliations with pharmacy schools and clerkship and residency trainin g programs. Responses indicated considerable variation among VAMC phar macies in the number and types of services provided.