Utilization of Mental Health Services by Veterans Living in Rural Areas

Teich, Judith L.; Ali, Mir M.; Lynch, Seán; Mutter, Ryan

doi:10.1111/jrh.12221

Cited by 55 publications

(48 citation statements)

References 16 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…There are more veterans in rural areas, with more than 25% of all veterans living in rural places [33], and older veterans who die by suicide are more likely to live in rural areas compared to their younger counterparts [34], and this may also be a contributing factor to the greater suicide rate. Other potential explanations of the mental health disparities among rural older populations focus on greater stigma for seeking help in older populations, higher social isolation for some rural elderly, and less perceived need for mental health services among rural veterans [35,36]. However, additional research that tests candidate mechanisms for why rural disparities exist for suicidal and mental health outcomes is needed.…”

Section: Agementioning

confidence: 99%

A call to action to address rural mental health disparities

Morales

Barksdale

Beckel-Mitchener

2020

J. Clin. Trans. Sci.

243

148

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Rural residents in the USA experience significant disparities in mental health outcomes even though the prevalence of mental illness in rural and metropolitan areas is similar. This is a persistent problem that requires innovative approaches to resolve. Adopting and appropriately modifying the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities research framework are the potential approaches to understanding how these disparities might be addressed through research. Using this research framework can facilitate interrogation of multiple levels of influence, encompassing complex domains of influence and consideration of the entire life course trajectory, which is consistent with several National Institute of Mental Health priorities.

show abstract

Section: Agementioning

confidence: 99%

A call to action to address rural mental health disparities

Morales

Barksdale

Beckel-Mitchener

2020

J. Clin. Trans. Sci.

243

148

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Older veterans residing in rural areas may be particularly vulnerable to the digital divide. Rural residents account for a quarter of US veteran population and a third of the VA caseload [ 9 , 10 ]. Likewise, about 47% of veterans are over the age of 65 years and are much more likely to be living in rural areas compared with their younger counterparts [ 6 , 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

VA Video Connect for Clinical Care in Older Adults in a Rural State During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study

Padala¹,

Wilson²,

Gauss³

et al. 2020

J Med Internet Res

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for telehealth at home. Although the Department of Veterans Affairs is a leading provider of telehealth, disparities may exist in reaching older veterans living in rural areas. VA Video Connect (VVC) is a video conferencing app that enables veterans to connect with their health care provider via a secure and private session. Objective The aim of this study was to examine the capability and willingness of older veterans to participate in a VVC visit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on older veterans (N=118) at the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System. Participants were interviewed over the phone and responses to the following items were recorded: availability of internet, email, and an electronic device with a camera; veterans’ willingness to complete an appointment via a VVC visit; and availability of assistance from a caregiver for those who were unable to participate in a VVC visit alone. Results Participants’ mean age was 72.6 (SD 8.3) years, 92% (n=108) were male, 69% (n=81) were Caucasian, 30% (n=35) were African Americans, and 36% (n=42) lived in a rural location. The majority reported having access to the internet (n=93, 77%) and email service (n=83, 70%), but only 56% (n=67) had a camera-equipped device. Overall, 53% (n=63) were willing and capable of participating in a VVC visit. The availability of internet access was significantly lower in rural compared to nonrural participants (P=.045) and in those with or less than a high school education compared to those who pursued higher education (P=.02). Willingness to participate in the VVC visit was significantly lower in rural compared to nonrural participants (P=.03). Of the participants who reported they were able and willing to partake in a VVC visit (n=54), 65% (n=35) opted for VVC and 35% (n=19) preferred a phone visit. In total, 77% (n=27) of the scheduled VVC visits were successful. Conclusions Despite advances in technology, and willingness on the part of health care systems, there are some lingering issues with capability and willingness to participate in video telehealth visits, particularly among older adults residing in rural areas.

show abstract

“…In addition, some patients face access to care barriers such as geographic isolation, precluding travel to urban VA medical centers where the preponderance of specialty care is offered. 16 Although rates of referral in this study may not be indicative of current practice within the VA, they provide a comparison for future studies to examine changes in referral rates for non-opioid pain treatments.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%