New perspectives in psychiatry in the Veterans Administration

In 1972, the mental health services in the Veterans Administration were reorganized in a manner designed to increase the probability of interdisciplinary collaboration. VA hospitals were urged to form multidisciplinary mental health committees to advise on local programs and practices. This "corporate" approach has led to significant changes in the use of staff and in the physical and psychological environment in some hospitals. While it is too early to evaluate the full impact of the changes on patient care, waiting lists have been reduced and length of hospital stay has decreased.