Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion

CEPACT research highlights how "PACT Can Work"

From Research to Results

The VISN 4 Center for Evaluation of Patient Aligned Care Teams (CEPACT) is one of four PACT Demonstration Laboratories engaged to evaluate the implementation of the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model to understand what does and does not work. CHERP investigators Judith Long, MD and Rachel Werner, MD, PhD, direct CEPACT. 

To share best practices and lessons learned, as well as collective opportunities and challenges to effective implementation, CEPACT has issued research summary materials outlining findings from their first 4 years of PACT evaluation. The materials, available both on-line and in print, provide VISN-specific and national research and evaluation findings to increase awareness and understanding of best practices, and to promote PACT adoption and improvements.

Between FY 2010-2014, CEPACT performed a multi-pronged, regional evaluation of different aspects of the PACT roll-out. It focused on staff experiences and perspectives as well as facilitators and barriers to PACT implementation. Additionally, CEPACT-funded pilot projects tested multiple PACT-related innovations. Research activities included site visits, key informant interviews, video observation of clinical appointments, staff surveys, and secondary analysis of medical record data. The evaluation process highlights areas where PACT is successful, and identifies relevant practice innovations and recommendations to improve PACT implementation.

CEPACT research highlights that PACT Can Work when implemented properly with the right resources, support, and settings. Understanding the varying needs and complexity of implementing PACT in different settings is essential – a “one size fits all” approach does not work. PACT works best when everyone – from front line and administrative staff to leadership – contributes, communicates, collaborates, and understands their role within the PACT model. By applying best practices and lessons learned from current experience, research and innovation, VA can improve PACT implementation. This fact sheet highlights key ‘best practices’ and lessons learned.

Visit the CEPACT web site to see examples of how to create and sustain system-wide PACT changes, read more information about our mission and the demo lab initiative, and get links to published work: www.visn4.va.gov/cepact

This article does not represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the US government.