Related Experiment Videos
Examining Women Veteran's Experiences, Perceptions, and Challenges With the Veterans Choice Program
Kristin M Mattocks1,2, Elizabeth M Yano3,4, Amber Brown2
1Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester.
Medical Care
|May 17, 2018
Summary
Women Veterans faced challenges with the Veterans Choice Program (VCP), including confusing eligibility, appointment difficulties, and poor communication. Improved care coordination is essential for seamless healthcare delivery.
Area of Science:
- Health Services Research
- Veterans Affairs Healthcare
- Women's Health
Background:
- The Veterans Choice Program (VCP) was initiated in 2014 to improve timeliness and quality of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) care.
- Women Veterans may rely more on VCP due to limited availability of sex-specific services at VHA facilities.
- Understanding VCP care delivery is vital to prevent fragmented care between VHA and community systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate women Veterans' experiences, perceptions, and challenges encountered with the VCP.
- To identify key areas for improvement in VCP service delivery for women Veterans.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study employing semistructured interviews.
- 148 women Veterans participated across 13 VHA facilities nationwide.
Main Results:
- Key themes included confusing VCP eligibility information.
- Difficulties in scheduling VCP appointments were reported.
- Delayed sharing of VCP care results with patients and VHA providers was common.
- Concerns regarding unexpected VCP bills were prevalent.
Conclusions:
- The study identified significant challenges women Veterans faced with VCP.
- There is a clear need for enhanced care coordination within the VCP.
- An ideal system should ensure seamless management of non-VHA care, including scheduling, communication, and transitions back to VHA care.