Browsing by Subject "Military veterans"

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
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    Improving Patient Activation among Older Veterans: Results from a Social Worker-Led Care Transitions Intervention
    (Taylor & Francis, 2022) Koufacos, Nicholas S.; May, Justine; Judon, Kimberly; Franzosa, Emily; Dixon, Brian E.; Schubert, Cathy C.; Schwartzkopf, Ashley L.; Guerrero, Vivian M.; Traylor, Morgan; Boockvar, Kenneth S.; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Older veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) often use both VHA and non-VHA providers for their care. This dual use, especially around an inpatient visit, can lead to fragmented care during the time of transition post-discharge. Interventions that target patient activation may be valuable ways to help veterans manage complex medication regimens and care plans from multiple providers. The Care Transitions Intervention (CTI) is an evidence-based model that helps older adults gain confidence and skills to achieve their health goals post-discharge. Our study examined the impact of CTI upon patient activation for veterans discharged from non-VHA hospitals. In total, 158 interventions were conducted for 87 veterans. From baseline to follow-up there was a significant 1.7-point increase in patient activation scores, from 5.4 to 7.1. This association was only found among those who completed the intervention. The most common barriers to completion were difficulty reaching the veteran by phone, patient declining the intervention, and rehospitalization during the 30 days post-discharge. Care transitions guided by social workers may be a promising way to improve patient activation. However, future research and practice should address barriers to completion and examine the impact of increased patient activation on health outcomes.
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    Modeling Contingency in Veteran Community Reintegration: A Mixed Methods Approach
    (Sage, 2023) Rattray, Nicholas A.; Miech, Edward J.; True, Gala; Natividad, Diana; Laws, Brian; Frankel, Richard M.; Kukla, Marina; Medicine, School of Medicine
    Researchers need approaches for analyzing complex phenomena when assessing contingency relationships where specific conditions explain an outcome only when combined with other conditions. Using a mixed methods design, we paired configurational methods and qualitative thematic analysis to model contingency in veteran community reintegration outcomes, identifying combinations of conditions that led to success or lack of success in community reintegration among US military veterans. This pairing allowed for modeling contingency at a detailed level beyond the capabilities of either approach alone. Our analysis revealed multiple contingent relationships at work in explaining reintegration, including social support, purpose, cultural adjustment, and military separation experiences. This study contributes to the field of mixed methods by pairing a mathematical cross-case method with a qualitative method to model contingency.