Intermediate Care Technicians: The Return on Federal Investments of Medics

Abstract

Introduction: Over the last 200 years, the “medic” has demonstrated its value at the point of injury care. Unfortunately, when medics leave military service with their medical skills, they have limited direct employment options available to them without added educational requirements. Fortunately, the Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) innovation of the Intermediate Care Technician (ICT) Program has a solution for that problem. This article will look at the Veterans Affairs’ creation of the ICT Program, investigate its origins, evaluate where it is today through the lens of the WHO Task-Shifting Model for healthcare system implementation, and address the ICT Programs’ potential for tomorrow. Materials and Methods: A descriptive, non-experimental research method design was used to collect and analyze the ICT Program’s quantitative and qualitative data. Results: Through a decade of quality clinical care, Authority of Veteran Affairs Professionals to Practice Health Care Rule, and comparative evaluation of the WHO Task-Shifting Criteria, the ICT Program will bring incredible clinical value to VHA. Conclusion: The VHA ICT Program demonstrates to the U.S. Healthcare System a validated and reliable program to address healthcare worker shortages, reduce healthcare costs, increase access to care, and manage increasing demand for healthcare.