What is the clinical evidence from this study?

Study design: Cross-Sectional. Population: Women Veterans routinely using VA primary care (n=1391). Primary outcome: Healthcare needs, utilization, and preferences.

August 30, 2022Open Access

Women Veterans’ Healthcare Needs, Utilization, and Preferences in Veterans Affairs Primary Care Settings

Resultado clave

Women Veterans who routinely utilize VA primary care have high rates of multimorbid physical and mental health conditions, with 62% reporting military sexual trauma and 70% preferring female providers for women-specific care.

Diseño del estudio

Tipo

Cross-Sectional (n=1,391)

Multicéntrico

Sí

PICO estructurado

Población

1,391 women Veterans with 3+ primary care visits within the previous year in 12 VA medical centers across nine states. Mean age 49.8 years, 59% non-Hispanic White, 28% non-Hispanic Black.

Resultado

Healthcare needs, utilization, and preferences of women Veterans who routinely use VA primary carepatient reported

Women Veterans routinely using VA primary care have complex physical and mental health multimorbidities, high rates of trauma exposure, and a strong preference for women-centered care.

Limitaciones

Sample includes only women with 3+ prior year primary care visits, limiting generalizability to non-routine users.
Use of self-report measures, which are subject to recall and social desirability bias.
Lack of data on the specific care model within which each participant received care.

Resumen

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.

Preguntar a la IA

Me gusta

Guardar

Ver artículo completo