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Patient Activation and Mental Health Care Experiences Among Women Veterans

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Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

We utilized a nationally representative survey of women veteran primary care users to examine associations between patient activation and mental health care experiences. A dose–response relationship was observed, with odds of high quality ratings significantly greater at each successive level of patient activation. Higher activation levels were also significantly associated with preference concordant care for gender-related preferences (use of female providers, women-only settings, and women-only groups as often as desired). Results add to the growing literature documenting better health care experiences among more activated patients, and suggest that patient activation may play an important role in promoting engagement with mental health care.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded by the VA HSR&D SDR 12-196. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government. The authors have no financial involvement with organizations whose financial interest may be affected by the material in the manuscript or which might potentially bias it. The authors wish to thank Julie Karpenko MSW, Liberty Greene, MS, M.Ed. and Meghan Saweikis, MS, JD, for their contributions to the WOMAN Study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, PTSD-324, Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA

    Rachel Kimerling & Joanne Pavao

  2. Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road (152 MPD), Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA

    Rachel Kimerling & Ava Wong

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  1. Rachel Kimerling
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  2. Joanne Pavao
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Correspondence to Rachel Kimerling.

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Kimerling, R., Pavao, J. & Wong, A. Patient Activation and Mental Health Care Experiences Among Women Veterans. Adm Policy Ment Health 43, 506–513 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-015-0653-x

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