Sense of belonging may increase appointment attendance at VA

Researchers of the VA Portland, OR. have identified factors that strengthen a veterans’ sense of belonging in the VA health care system hoping to increase appointment attendance. 

In the research paper, Patient Sense of Belonging in the Veterans Health Administration: A Qualitative Study of Appointment Attendance and Patient Engagement, researchers drew from data collected as part of a study to reduce missed appointments through use of enhanced appointment reminder letters.

An ongoing problem for the VA, missed appointments means missed opportunities to connect with and care for veterans. The team found that very little research has been done in the past regarding a sense of belonging as a way to engage and motivate veterans to make their appointments.  

The study team interviewed 27 VA patients with primary care or mental health clinic visits, using deductive and inductive analysis to develop themes. More than half of the participants were Vietnam veterans, 24 were over 40 years old, and 18 were men.

Researchers found that a sense of belonging promotes appointment attendance and patient engagement. According to the VA, the veterans identified three factors that related to a sense of belonging. Feelings of camaraderie and commitment toward other Veterans improved the patient experience.

Interactions with all staff influenced the engagement a patient felt toward a particular clinic and VA. And personalized communication and messaging, which can humanize the VA and demonstrate its interest in engaging with veterans. 

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program, Sheridan VA Health Care Public Affairs Specialist Cherish Thomson told listeners that registering veterans is a priority for the VA. But it all begins with the veteran walking in the door. 

With the passing of the Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring Our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics or (PACT) Act of 2022, many more veterans became eligible for treatment including mental health services and counseling, to veterans who participated in a toxic exposure risk activity, by serving in specific locations on specified dates or deployed in support of a specified contingency operation.

For more information on the study, click here. For more information on the Sheridan VA Health Care System, click here.