Researchers distributed a 10-item survey to physicians at two primary care-focused medical conferences to determine self-reported levels of comfort and familiarity with veteran-oriented topics.
All total, 350 surveys were distributed, and 141 were returned.
Here are five things to know from the survey.
1. Of the 141 respondents, 101 practiced primary care, 19 practiced internal medicine, 16 practiced other specialties and five were excluded from final analysis for not reporting a specialty affiliation.
2. Overall, physicians reported feeling only moderately comfortable with military terminology and uncomfortable with the diagnosis and management of traumatic brain injury.
3. More than half of the respondents indicated that they were not comfortable discussing health-related exposures and associated risks that veterans might experience. Additionally, 80 percent reported feeling unfamiliar with referral and consultation services for veterans.
4. Respondents of both primary care and internal medicine specialties scored significantly higher than other respondents in questions on veterans’ medical conditions, military terminology and military health risks.
5. Specialty orientation did not affect responses for questions on other topics.
While physicians may have a general familiarity with veterans’ health topics, the survey suggests there is a gap between the top levels of familiarity and comfort and the current self-reported levels.
“Additional research is needed on barriers to and deficits of information among civilian practitioners on specific health issues and social circumstances of veterans,” wrote study authors. “Education is needed to facilitate sensitivity to the surveyed issues among the civilian physician population and to improve care for veteran patients.”
More articles on the VA and veterans:
How the VA, HCA dramatically reduced MRSA infections
Enabling veterans: Rush University Medical Center, IT vendors provide job training for returning vets
California VA hospital improperly disposed patient medical records
