Identifying Barriers and Facilitators to Veterans Affairs Whole Health Integration Using the Updated Consolidated...

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Systems Research
• Implementation Science
• Public Health

Background:

• The Veterans Affairs (VA) implemented the Veteran-centered Whole Health System initiative nationwide.
• Implementation strategies varied across different VA sites.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize systemic barriers and facilitators to Veteran engagement with the Whole Health initiative using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).
• To provide a comprehensive analysis of strengths and areas for improvement in national healthcare system implementation.

Main Methods:

• Data collection was performed by advanced fellows from 11 VA Quality Scholars sites.
• Results were organized using the CFIR framework and included data from six sites.

Main Results:

• Key innovation factors included cost, complexity, offerings, and accessibility.
• Inner setting factors involved relational connections, communication, compatibility, resources, learning, and knowledge access.
• Individual factors comprised innovation deliverers, leaders, teams, and motivation for whole health care delivery.

Conclusions:

• Whole Health coaches are crucial for implementation, facilitating communication, relationships, and knowledge access for Veterans and staff.
• Continuous evaluation and improvement of implementation processes at each site are recommended.