A True Community: The Vet-to-Vet Program for Chronic Pain

The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) has evolved its approach to chronic pain management, emphasizing the social context of pain and self-management strategies.

This article describes the implementation of Vet-to-Vet, an interpersonal group that personifies this shift in VHA strategy by combining mutual help, mindfulness, and storytelling in weekly virtual meetings led by veterans experiencing chronic pain. An evaluation of the Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center Vet-to-Vet group indicated high engagement, with many participants attending for ≥ 6 months. Qualitative findings highlight the program's positive impact, particularly in fostering connections among veterans, facilitating mutual support, and empowering participants to better manage pain and become stronger advocates for their care. Participants reported improvements in accessing help, positive health outcomes, and addressing the psychological aspects of pain.

Vet-to-Vet shows promise as an approach to chronic pain care that aligns with VHA whole health strategies. An ongoing evaluation will explore program effectiveness as it expands to additional sites, with the goal of embedding peer support and mutual help across various contexts.