Date of Conferral

2022

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

James Mosko

Abstract

The VHA and Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) have been labeled negligent in providing healthcare for U.S. veterans. Strategies to resolve the problems included legislative changes, watchdog responsibilities, and removal of top officials within the VA. The case studies presented underscore reported problems within Veterans Healthcare Systems. The present research was conducted to determine if the negligence was the result of a toxic work environment and whether the problems continue to affect healthcare delivery to U.S. veterans. Beccaria’s Rational Choice Theory served as the theoretical basis of the research. A mixed method, transformative design was used to conduct the study. Quantitative data were gleaned from the OPM Federal Viewpoint Survey Database. Qualitative data were extracted from prior surveys from VHA employees and U.S. veterans. The data revealed the workloads of employees were not excessive, but healthcare delivery problems continued to exist. The data also revealed 30% of the employees harbored fear of reprisals if they reported negligent service. The research results indicated the VHA healthcare delivery problems are the result of poor training, poor supervision, and fear of reprisals for reporting possible healthcare delivery errors. Regardless of these issues, U.S. veterans remained hopeful. The three factors constituted a toxic work environment which affects healthcare delivery to U.S. veterans. Providing VHA employees avenues to observe and report healthcare delivery anomalies without fear of reprisals will produce positive social change by improving the toxic work environment and promoting quality healthcare delivery to U.S. veterans.

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