Solutions
VA partnered with Aptive HTG to conduct the feasibility study and create the report for Congress. Aptive HTG has a team of experienced evaluation and performance improvement experts who use a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to help government agencies and other organizations measure performance to optimize their value to patients and other stakeholders. The team, which has extensive mental health subject matter expertise and knowledge of VA, also uses:
- Best practices in implementation science, research and evaluation methodology
- Advanced statistical techniques to analyze data from a variety of sources including surveys, administrative data and other publicly available data
- Resources to identify relevant information on program implementation, effectiveness and impact
Conducted a Rigorous Research and Policy Analysis
The Aptive team conducted a literature review to examine relevant laws, policy documents, federal reports and thought leadership articles. We also coordinated and completed 163 interviews with key staff across 21 VA service sites to capture data from all staff levels and fields in the suicide prevention program. Staff represented VAMC mental health leadership, the VA Central Office, Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN) directors and chief mental health officers, VISN and Facility Suicide Prevention Team members, patient safety and Vet Center representatives, Department of Defense suicide prevention leadership, Veteran stakeholders and community partners.
Analyzed Findings
We compiled and analyzed findings from the interviews and literature review and conducted a cost/benefit analysis for local and national control scenarios. We also performed a qualitative content data analysis to analyze research data and produce findings and recommendations.
Applied Program and Project Management Best Practices
The Aptive team met frequently with the VA team throughout each week to report on all aspects of the project and identify next steps. We also implemented a risk assessment methodology to keep project deliverables on schedule because shifting priorities forced the project to adopt a condensed time frame. The project also required Aptive to manage four subcontractor staff. The tools we used to organize all research and content allowed the entire team to collaborate efficiently.