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Mengeling MA, Torner JC, Smith JL, Cook BL, Sadler AG. Online Screening and Personalized Education to Identify Post-Deployment Mental Health Need and Facilitate Access to Care. Mil Med 2024; 189:1045-1054. [PMID: 36510670 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Reserve and National Guard (RNG) service members face increased risks for psychological and behavioral problems and are unlikely to seek mental health (MH) care after returning from military deployments. This article examines an online intervention (Web-Ed) with regard to participation, screening results, satisfaction, and intent to seek follow-up MH care, with comparisons by gender and post-deployment MH care receipt. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 414 RNG service members (214 women and 200 men), who returned from deployments to or in support of the Iraq or Afghanistan wars within the prior 36 months. Participants completed Web-Ed, which includes screening, personalized education, and links to Veterans Health Administration health care. RESULTS Positive post-deployment screening proportions, Web-Ed satisfaction, and intent to seek follow-up care were similar for men and women. Few had received MH care (33% women; 24% men), yet most screened positive on at least one screen (69% women; 72% men). Most indicated that they would recommend Web-Ed to other veterans (71% women; 67% men) and that they received useful information they may not have received otherwise (52% women; 53% men) regardless of gender or prior MH care. Almost half (40% women; 48% men) planned to seek further assessment from a health care provider as a direct result of Web-Ed. CONCLUSIONS Efforts to facilitate access to MH care among post-deployed RNG veterans should be ongoing, regardless of the length of time since deployment, Veterans Affairs enrollment status, prior MH care receipt, or gender. Online screening and personalized education engage veterans who have not sought MH care and provide new information to those who have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle A Mengeling
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- VA Office of Rural Health (ORH), Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Iowa City (VRHRC-IC), Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - James C Torner
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery and Surgery, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242-1089, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Smith
- VA Behavioral Health Quality Enhancement Research Initiative (QUERI), Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205-5446, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Brian L Cook
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Anne G Sadler
- Center for Access & Delivery Research and Evaluation (CADRE), Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- VA Office of Rural Health (ORH), Veterans Rural Health Resource Center-Iowa City (VRHRC-IC), Iowa City VA Health Care System, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Rohs CM, Albright KR, Monteith LL, Lane AD, Fehling KB. Perspectives of VA healthcare from rural women veterans not enrolled in or using VA healthcare. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0289885. [PMID: 37578986 PMCID: PMC10424869 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0289885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Women Veterans have unique healthcare needs and often experience comorbid health conditions. Despite this, many women Veterans are not enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and do not use VHA services. Underutilization of VHA services may be particularly prevalent among rural women Veterans, who may experience unique barriers to using VHA care. Nonetheless, knowledge of rural women Veterans and their experiences remains limited. We sought to understand rural women Veterans' perceptions and needs related to VHA healthcare, including barriers to enrolling in and using VHA services, and perspectives on how to communicate with rural women Veterans about VHA services. METHODS Rural women Veterans were recruited through community engagement with established partners and a mass mailing to rural women Veterans not enrolled in or using VHA healthcare. Ten virtual focus groups were conducted with a total of twenty-nine rural women Veterans (27 not enrolled in VHA care and 2 who had not used VHA care in the past 5 years) in 2021. A thematic inductive analytic approach was used to analyze focus group transcripts. FINDINGS Primary themes regarding rural women Veterans' perceptions of barriers to enrollment and use of VHA healthcare included: (1) poor communication about eligibility and the process of enrollment; (2) belief that VHA does not offer sufficient women's healthcare services; and (3) inconvenience of accessing VHA facilities. CONCLUSION Although VHA has substantially expanded healthcare services for women Veterans, awareness of such services and the nuances of eligibility and enrollment remains an impediment to enrolling in and using VHA healthcare among rural women Veterans. Recommended strategies include targeted communication with rural women Veterans not enrolled in VHA care to increase their awareness of the enrollment process, eligibility, and expansion of women's healthcare services. Creative strategies to address access and transportation barriers in rural locations are also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly M. Rohs
- Seattle-Denver Center for Innovation (COIN), Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Karen R. Albright
- Seattle-Denver Center for Innovation (COIN), Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Lindsey L. Monteith
- VA Rocky Mountain Mental Illness, Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) for Suicide Prevention, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Amber D. Lane
- Seattle-Denver Center for Innovation (COIN), Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Kelty B. Fehling
- Seattle-Denver Center for Innovation (COIN), Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
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Qureshi AR, Makanjuola O, Neumark S, Garas A, Wang L, Busse JW. Research Priorities Among Canadian Military Veterans Living With Chronic Pain: A Cross-Sectional Survey. Mil Med 2023; 188:e2373-e2379. [PMID: 36239589 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usac309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic pain is a debilitating problem that disproportionately affects military veterans. We completed a qualitative study that identified 20 research priorities of Canadian veterans living with chronic noncancer pain. The aim of this study was to establish the generalizability of these priorities. MATERIALS AND METHODS From January to March 2021, we emailed a 45-item survey to a list of Canadian veterans living with chronic noncancer pain that asked about the relative importance of 20 research priorities. RESULTS Overall, 313 of 701 Canadian military veterans living with chronic noncancer pain returned a completed survey (45% response rate). All 20 research priorities listed in the survey were endorsed by ≥75% of respondents, and four received ≥95% endorsement: (1) optimizing chronic pain management after release from the military; (2) establishing the effectiveness of self-care; and (3) identifying and (4) treating mental illness among veterans living with chronic pain. One research priority differed significantly by gender; 50% more females than males rated improving chronic pain care while in the military as important (99% vs. 49%, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Our survey established research priorities among Canadian veterans living with chronic noncancer pain. These findings should be considered by granting agencies when formulating calls for proposals and by researchers who wish to undertake research that will address the needs of military veterans living with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Rehman Qureshi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi PO Box 127788, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | | | - Samuel Neumark
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Translational Research Program, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1W7, Canada
| | - Andrew Garas
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Jason W Busse
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- The Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
- Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans, Hamilton, ON L8P 0A1, Canada
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Bossarte RM, Ross EL, Liu H, Turner B, Bryant C, Zainal NH, Puac-Polanco V, Ziobrowski HN, Cui R, Cipriani A, Furukawa TA, Leung LB, Joormann J, Nierenberg AA, Oslin DW, Pigeon WR, Post EP, Zaslavsky AM, Zubizarreta JR, Luedtke A, Kennedy CJ, Kessler RC. Development of a model to predict combined antidepressant medication and psychotherapy treatment response for depression among veterans. J Affect Disord 2023; 326:111-119. [PMID: 36709831 PMCID: PMC9975041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although research shows that more depressed patients respond to combined antidepressants (ADM) and psychotherapy than either alone, many patients do not respond even to combined treatment. A reliable prediction model for this could help treatment decision-making. We attempted to create such a model using machine learning methods among patients in the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA). METHODS A 2018-2020 national sample of VHA patients beginning combined depression treatment completed self-report assessments at baseline and 3 months (n = 658). A learning model was developed using baseline self-report, administrative, and geospatial data to predict 3-month treatment response defined by reductions in the Quick Inventory of Depression Symptomatology Self-Report and/or in the Sheehan Disability Scale. The model was developed in a 70 % training sample and tested in the remaining 30 % test sample. RESULTS 30.0 % of patients responded to treatment. The prediction model had a test sample AUC-ROC of 0.657. A strong gradient was found in probability of treatment response from 52.7 % in the highest predicted quintile to 14.4 % in the lowest predicted quintile. The most important predictors were episode characteristics (symptoms, comorbidities, history), personality/psychological resilience, recent stressors, and treatment characteristics. LIMITATIONS Restrictions in sample definition, a low recruitment rate, and reliance on patient self-report rather than clinician assessments to determine treatment response limited the generalizability of results. CONCLUSIONS A machine learning model could help depressed patients and providers predict likely response to combined ADM-psychotherapy. Parallel information about potential harms and costs of alternative treatments would be needed, though, to inform optimal treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert M Bossarte
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA; Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, NY, USA
| | - Eric L Ross
- Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Howard Liu
- Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, NY, USA; Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brett Turner
- Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, NY, USA; Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Corey Bryant
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nur Hani Zainal
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victor Puac-Polanco
- Department of Health Policy and Management, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Hannah N Ziobrowski
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ruifeng Cui
- VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Pittsburgh Health Care System, Department of Veterans Affairs, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Toshiaki A Furukawa
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, School of Public Health, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Lucinda B Leung
- Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation, and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jutta Joormann
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Andrew A Nierenberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Dauten Family Center for Bipolar Treatment Innovation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David W Oslin
- VISN 4 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wilfred R Pigeon
- Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, Canandaigua VA Medical Center, Canandaigua, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Edward P Post
- Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Alan M Zaslavsky
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jose R Zubizarreta
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Statistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Biostatistics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alex Luedtke
- Department of Statistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chris J Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Khanna A, Dryden EM, Bolton RE, Wu J, Taylor SL, Clayman ML, Anwar C, Kasom D, McGowan M, Mullur RS, Bokhour BG, Hyde J. Promoting Whole Health and Well-Being at Home: Veteran and Provider Perspectives on the Impact of Tele-Whole Health Services. Glob Adv Health Med 2022; 11:2164957X221142608. [PMID: 36452292 PMCID: PMC9703484 DOI: 10.1177/2164957x221142608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Veterans Health Administration (VA) is undergoing a transformation in how healthcare is organized and provided. This transformation to a Whole Health System of Care encompasses the integration of complementary and integrative health services, education, and Whole Health coaching to develop Veterans' self-care skills. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these services were provided via telehealth (tele-WH). Objective We sought to understand Veteran and provider perspectives on how tele-WH impacts Veteran engagement in Whole Health-aligned services and the impact on their well-being. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 51 providers who delivered tele-WH at 10 VA Medical Centers (VAMCs) and 19 Veterans receiving tele-WH at 6 VAMCs. Participants were asked about their experiences with tele-WH, what they perceived to be the impact of tele-WH on Veterans, and their preferences moving forward. Interviews were transcribed, and a content analysis was performed using a rapid approach. Results We identified 3 major themes that describe the perceived impact of tele-WH on Veterans. These include: (1) increased use of Whole Health-aligned services; (2) deeper engagement with Whole-Health aligned services; and (3) improvements in social, psychological, and physical well-being. Conclusion Tele-WH is perceived to be a strong complement to in-person services and is a promising mechanism for improving engagement with Whole Health-aligned services and promoting Veteran well-being. Future research is needed to measure outcomes identified in this study and to support more equitable access to telehealth for all.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Khanna
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Eileen M. Dryden
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Rendelle E. Bolton
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Brandeis University, The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, MA, USA
| | - Juliet Wu
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Taylor
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation & Policy, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- University of California Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Medicine School of Public Health, Department of Health Policy and Management, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marla L. Clayman
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, 368 Plantation Street Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Chitra Anwar
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
| | - Danna Kasom
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation & Policy, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael McGowan
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation & Policy, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Rashmi S. Mullur
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for the Study of Health Care Innovation, Implementation & Policy, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Integrative Medicine Collaborative, University of California Los Angeles Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Barbara G. Bokhour
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Division of Preventive and Behavioral Medicine, Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, 368 Plantation Street Worcester, MA 01605
| | - Justeen Hyde
- US Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Sheahan KL, Goldstein KM, Than CT, Bean-Mayberry B, Chanfreau CC, Gerber MR, Rose DE, Brunner J, Canelo IA, Darling Mshs JE, Haskell S, Hamilton AB, Yano EM. Women Veterans' Healthcare Needs, Utilization, and Preferences in Veterans Affairs Primary Care Settings. J Gen Intern Med 2022; 37:791-798. [PMID: 36042076 PMCID: PMC9481772 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-022-07585-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Veterans Health Administration (VA) is the largest integrated health system in the US and provides access to comprehensive primary care. Women Veterans are the fastest growing segment of new VA users, yet little is known about the characteristics of those who routinely access VA primary care in general or by age group. OBJECTIVE Describe healthcare needs, utilization, and preferences of women Veterans who routinely use VA primary care. PARTICIPANTS 1,391 women Veterans with 3+ primary care visits within the previous year in 12 VA medical centers (including General Primary Care Clinics, General Primary Care Clinics with designated space for women, and Comprehensive Women's Health Centers) in nine states. METHODS Cross-sectional survey (45% response rate) of sociodemographic characteristics, health status (including chronic disease, mental health, pain, and trauma exposure), utilization, care preferences, and satisfaction. Select utilization data were extracted from administrative data. Analyses were weighted to the population of routine users and adjusted for non-response in total and by age group. KEY RESULTS While 43% had health coverage only through VA, 62% received all primary care in VA. In the prior year, 56% used VA mental healthcare and 78% used VA specialty care. Common physical health issues included hypertension (42%), elevated cholesterol (39%), pain (35%), and diabetes (16%). Many screened positive for PTSD (41%), anxiety (32%), and depression (27%). Chronic physical and mental health burdens varied by age. Two-thirds (62%) had experienced military sexual trauma. Respondents reported satisfaction with VA women's healthcare and preference for female providers. CONCLUSIONS Women Veterans who routinely utilize VA primary care have significant multimorbid physical and mental health conditions and trauma histories. Meeting women Veterans' needs across the lifespan will require continued investment in woman-centered primary care, including integrated mental healthcare and emphasis on trauma-informed, age-specific care, guided by women's provider preferences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate L Sheahan
- JSI, Inc., 2733 Crystal Dr 4th floor, Arlington, VA, 22202, USA.
| | - Karen M Goldstein
- JSI, Inc., 2733 Crystal Dr 4th floor, Arlington, VA, 22202, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Claire T Than
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Bevanne Bean-Mayberry
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Catherine C Chanfreau
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI), Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Megan R Gerber
- Albany Stratton VA Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Danielle E Rose
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julian Brunner
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ismelda A Canelo
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jill E Darling Mshs
- Center for Economic and Social Research (CESR), University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sally Haskell
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multi-morbidities, and Education (PRIME) Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, West Haven, CT, USA
- Office of Women's Health, Veterans Health Administration, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Alison B Hamilton
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Yano
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy & Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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7
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Best RH, Hunter K, Thomas KH. Fighting for a Seat at the Table: Women’s Military Service and Political Representation. JOURNAL OF VETERANS STUDIES 2021. [DOI: 10.21061/jvs.v7i1.266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
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Gaffey AE, Burg MM, Rosman L, Portnoy GA, Brandt CA, Cavanagh CE, Skanderson M, Dziura J, Mattocks KM, Bastian LA, Haskell SG. Baseline Characteristics from the Women Veterans Cohort Study: Gender Differences and Similarities in Health and Healthcare Utilization. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2021; 30:944-955. [PMID: 33439756 PMCID: PMC8290312 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2020.8732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: With the unprecedented expansion of women's roles in the U.S. military during recent (post-9/11) conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, the number of women seeking healthcare through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has increased substantially. Women Veterans often present as medically complex due to multiple medical, mental health, and psychosocial comorbidities, and consequently may be underserved. Thus, we conducted the nationwide Women Veterans Cohort Study (WVCS) to examine post-9/11 Veterans' unique healthcare needs and to identify potential disparities in health outcomes and care. Methods: We present baseline data from a comprehensive questionnaire battery that was administered from 2016 to 2019 to a national sample of post-9/11 men and women Veterans who enrolled in Veterans Affairs care (WVCS2). Data were analyzed for descriptives and to compare characteristics by gender, including demographics; health risk factors and symptoms of cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, and mental health; healthcare utilization, access, and insurance. Results: WVCS2 included 1,141 Veterans (51% women). Women were younger, more diverse, and with higher educational attainment than men. Women also endorsed lower traditional cardiovascular risk factors and comorbidities (e.g., weight, hypertension) and greater nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., trauma, psychological symptoms). More women reported single-site pain (e.g., neck, stomach, pelvic) and multisite pain, but did not differ from men in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms or treatment for PTSD. Women seek care at VHA medical centers more frequently, often combined with outside health services, but do not significantly differ from men in their insurance coverage. Conclusion: Overall, this investigation indicates substantial variation in risk factors, health outcomes, and healthcare utilization among post-9/11 men and women Veterans. Further research is needed to determine best practices for managing women Veterans in the VHA healthcare system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison E. Gaffey
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center of Innovation, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Matthew M. Burg
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine (Cardiovascular Medicine), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center of Innovation, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lindsey Rosman
- Division of Cardiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Galina A. Portnoy
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center of Innovation, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Cynthia A. Brandt
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center of Innovation, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Casey E. Cavanagh
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | | | - James Dziura
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center of Innovation, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Kristin M. Mattocks
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center of Innovation, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Research and Development, VA Central Western Massachusetts and Department of Quantitative Health Science, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Leeds, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lori A. Bastian
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center of Innovation, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine (General), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sally G. Haskell
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Pain Research, Informatics, Multimorbidities and Education (PRIME) Center of Innovation, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine (General), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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9
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Barriers to PTSD treatment-seeking by women veterans who experienced military sexual trauma decades ago: The role of institutional betrayal. Nurs Outlook 2021; 69:458-470. [PMID: 33863545 DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2021.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While some barriers to PTSD treatment engagement among veterans are well-identified, e.g., stigma, little is known about the barriers to VA PTSD treatment-seeking among women veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST) decades ago. PURPOSE To explore the barriers to PTSD treatment-seeking of women veterans with PTSD related to MST experienced prior to 2000. METHOD Data were collected from women veterans (n = 14) who had experienced MST and sought VA PTSD treatment. Data analyses utilized a constructivist grounded theory approach. FINDINGS The context of the MST experience, including the military environment at the time, the era in which they experienced MST and the response of others to their reporting or disclosure of MST created decades-long barriers to PTSD treatment-seeking. DISCUSSION Understanding institutional betrayal as a barrier to PTSD treatment-seeking among women veterans who experienced MST decades ago is necessary to develop effective targeted outreach and programs for this population.
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10
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Dyer KE, Hamilton AB, Yano EM, Moreau JL, Frayne SM, Carney DV, Golden RE, Klap R. Mobilizing embedded research and operations partnerships to address harassment of women Veterans at VA medical facilities. HEALTHCARE-THE JOURNAL OF DELIVERY SCIENCE AND INNOVATION 2021; 8 Suppl 1:100513. [PMID: 33514498 DOI: 10.1016/j.hjdsi.2020.100513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Key insights: A: Addressing a complex problem like harassment in VA medical facilities requires committed, engaged collaboration at multiple levels of the organization. B: Timely feedback of initial research findings to operations partners enabled rapid and more responsive development of new programs and policies. C: Our research-clinical partnership has enabled us to pursue targeted change from the outset, while incorporating real-time findings from embedded researchers working to develop a comprehensive understanding of the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Dyer
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Alison B Hamilton
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Yano
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Health Policy and Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica L Moreau
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Susan M Frayne
- VA HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA; Division of Primary Care & Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Diane V Carney
- VA HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Rachel E Golden
- VA HSR&D Center for Innovation to Implementation (Ci2i), VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Ruth Klap
- VA HSR&D Center for the Study of Healthcare Innovation, Implementation and Policy (CSHIIP), VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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11
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Women Veterans' Perspectives on How to Make Veterans Affairs Healthcare Settings More Welcoming to Women. Womens Health Issues 2020; 30:299-305. [DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2020.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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Grekin R, Zivin K, Hall SV, Van T, Mattocks KM. Predictors of Veterans Affairs Health Service Utilization by Women Veterans during Pregnancy. Womens Health Issues 2020; 30:292-298. [PMID: 32417074 DOI: 10.1016/j.whi.2020.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Researchers have examined predictors of Veterans Affairs (VA) service use by women veterans in general, but less is known about predictors of VA service use by pregnant veterans. This study examined characteristics associated with planned and actual VA service use by pregnant veterans. METHODS This study includes data from 510 pregnant veterans enrolled in the Center for Maternal and Infant Outcomes Research in Translation Study. Women veterans completed phone interviews during their first trimester and at 3 months postpartum. The Center for Maternal and Infant Outcomes Research in Translation surveys assessed medical and mental health conditions, VA health care use, trauma history, and pregnancy complications. We conducted bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models assessing planned and actual use of VA services during pregnancy. RESULTS Lifetime post-traumatic stress disorder (odds ratio [OR], 1.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11-2.69) and history of military sexual trauma (OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.19-2.87) were significantly associated with planned VA service use in multivariable models. Lifetime diagnoses of anxiety (OR, 1.78; C.I., 1.15-2.75) were associated with an increased likelihood of actual VA use during pregnancy, whereas Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.36-0.96), younger age (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.91-0.99), and access to private health insurance (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.37-0.84) were associated with a decreased likelihood of actual VA service use during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS Results emphasize the association between high-risk mental health characteristics and specific demographic characteristics with VA service use among pregnant veterans. Study findings highlight a continued need for women's health care at the VA, as well as the availability of VA providers knowledgeable about perinatal health issues, and informed community providers regarding women veterans' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Grekin
- Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
| | - Kara Zivin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Stephanie V Hall
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Tony Van
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Kristin M Mattocks
- VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare System, Leeds, Massachusetts; Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts
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