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Background: This study aimed to describe the five‐year trend in healthcare access, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and health outcomes in women Veterans. Methods: A retrospective, pooled, cross‐sectional study design was employed. Five‐year trend was assessed using 2013 and 2017 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data. Bivariate, multivariable logistic regression, and ordinary least squares regression analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 6561 women Veterans, aged 18 to 64 years (3534 in 2013 and 3027 in 2017) were included. Compared to 2013, more women Veterans in 2017 reported increased healthcare insurance and decreased cost as a barrier to care. Women Veterans with health insurance were less likely to report cost as a barrier to care. There were no statistically significant differences in HRQoL in bivariate or ordinary least squares regression analyses between BRFSS years. Conclusion: Federal policy and Veterans Health Administration expansion have had an impact on improving healthcare access to women Veterans. However, increased healthcare access alone does not translate into improved HRQoL or health outcomes for women Veterans. Future policies should not only focus on increasing healthcare access, but also improving health outcomes, especially HRQoL. The quality of the healthcare accessed must be a focus for future research and policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and objectives: To identify how civilian nurses are caring for military veterans following mandatory continuing education on veterans' mental health needs and to describe challenges nurses are facing in provision of that care. Background: Veterans and military personnel experience mental health conditions at a high rate and are increasingly receiving care in civilian healthcare facilities. Nonmilitary providers may not be prepared to address this population's challenging needs. Military culture may influence the presentation of mental health conditions; thus, critical assessment points by nonmilitary medical personnel may be missed. Education is touted internationally as a means to address deficits, but research is lacking to support that statement. Methods: Adhering to research reporting guidelines, 115 of a proposed 322 civilian nurses in a tertiary hospital volunteered to complete a one‐time online survey that contained quantitative and demographic questions. Forty of 115 nurses went on to complete the qualitative query. Descriptive statistics summarised quantitative results, and constant comparative analysis was applied to qualitative responses for theme identification. Results: The study was stopped early due to reports of violence from veterans upon nurses. Results showed continuing education did not change documentation of military status. Following mandatory continuing education, civilian nurses continued to describe uncertainty in how to adapt care, on how to interact with veterans and in how to deal with violence. Conclusion: The status of care to veterans remains insufficient, but nurses are asking critical questions on how to update practice. Additional support and research in the clinical setting is needed to promote a safe caring environment. Relevance to clinical practice: Continuing education alone may not advance care of the veteran. A multipronged approach to include mandatory documentation of military status and coaching of providers by those experienced with the military way of life may be used to augment staff preparedness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women veterans often obtain care for unique gender- and military-related health issues from civilian health care settings. There is a gap in the literature surrounding woman veterans' perspectives about the care they receive. The purpose of this study was to apply the Interaction Model of Client Health Behavior framework to study the patient-provider interaction described by women veterans. A qualitative descriptive methodology, using directed content analysis, was employed. Six themes were identified. Consistent screening, provider knowledge about service roles and experiences of women veterans, and familiarity with military-related health conditions support holistic care. Further research in this area is warranted., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)