Menopause-Related Service Needs in Veterans Health Administration Medical Centers: Findings From the Women's Health...

Information about the state of menopause-related care in the Veterans Health Administration (VA) is needed to identify targets for intervention and resource development across the national VA Health Care System.

A brief electronic key informant survey designed to assess current menopause-related services, resources, and needs in VA primary care was distributed to all active VA Women's Health Practice-Based Research Network (WH-PBRN) Site Leads. The survey included structured items, with responses summarized with descriptive statistics, and open-ended prompts, with answers analyzed using directed content analysis.

Key informant surveys were completed by 60 of 73 active WH-PBRN sites (response rate 82%). Most sites reported a range of available resources; 88% reported having VA-based consultants (e.g., gynecologists, pharmacists, and/or endocrinologists) available to assist primary care providers with pharmacological management of menopause symptoms. However, sites named a need for educational materials, menopause-focused classes or groups, and resources or support for a variety of menopause-associated issues. Sites overwhelmingly reported that menopause care was made easier by the availability and/or integration of menopause-trained specialty providers in the primary care setting, adequate menopause training for primary care providers, and time in appointments to address complex care issues.

In this survey of primary care settings at WH-PBRN sites across the VA Health Care System, sites highlighted the importance of available resources, time in appointments, training for primary care providers, and the availability and integration of menopause-informed specialty care services for comprehensive menopause care in the VA setting. Improving the VA's care model for menopause also has the potential to inform efforts to improve services in other health systems.