Talk to the Veterans Crisis Line now
U.S. flag
An official website of the United States government

VA Health Systems Research

Go to the VA ORD website
Go to the QUERI website

HSR&D Citation Abstract

Search | Search by Center | Search by Source | Keywords in Title

Women veterans' perceptions and decision-making about Veterans Affairs health care.

Washington DL, Kleimann S, Michelini AN, Kleimann KM, Canning M. Women veterans' perceptions and decision-making about Veterans Affairs health care. Military medicine. 2007 Aug 1; 172(8):812-7.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

Dimensions for VA is a web-based tool available to VA staff that enables detailed searches of published research and research projects.

If you have VA-Intranet access, click here for more information vaww.hsrd.research.va.gov/dimensions/

VA staff not currently on the VA network can access Dimensions by registering for an account using their VA email address.
   Search Dimensions for VA for this citation
* Don't have VA-internal network access or a VA email address? Try searching the free-to-the-public version of Dimensions



Abstract:

The increase in women in the military is reshaping the veteran population and Veterans Affairs (VA) health care delivery imperatives. To determine women veterans' perspectives and decision-making about VA health care use, we conducted six focus groups (four VA users and two nonusers) and identified key themes. Barriers to VA use for both VA users and nonusers included lack of information about eligibility and available services. Nonusers often assumed the VA did not provide women's health care. All groups emphasized they required a health care system focused on quality and sensitivity to women's health issues. However, users and nonusers differed in perceptions of VA quality. VA environment and quality concerns led many women to limit their VA use to women's clinics. These qualitative findings provide a context to highlight where interventions and policies suggested by quantitative findings should focus. Dissemination of accurate information about VA eligibility and services, and continued responsiveness to women's perceptions of care are indicated.





Questions about the HSR website? Email the Web Team

Any health information on this website is strictly for informational purposes and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any condition.