ABSTRACT
Methods: We are fielding an online survey to approximately 2,000 Veterans using tele-WH services across 10 VHA facilities. The survey contains internally developed questions and validated patient-reported outcome measures (e.g., Perceived Stress Scale). Survey content was developed iteratively and refined based on Veteran feedback. The survey is collecting data on Veteran: (1) use of and interest in, (2) experiences and satisfaction with, (3) perceived outcomes of, and (4) sources of information about tele-WH services. Results: Data collection is underway. We will present data on the percent of respondents who: (1) used and (2) are interested in using each tele-WH service/therapy, (3) learned about tele-WH through various sources, (4) reported satisfaction with tele-WH services/therapies, and (5) reported that tele-WH participation helped them improve outcomes. We will use multivariate analyses to identify factors independently associated with use of tele-WH services and therapies, interest in future use, and perceived impacts on outcomes. Background: The Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) transformation into a 'Whole Health system of care' (WHS) has encompassed a shift in organizational culture, wherein care delivery is focused on Veteran goals and preferences rather than diagnoses alone. VHA's WHS includes offering commensurate services and therapies to Veterans, including complementary and integrative health services. In the wake of COVID-19, VHA rapidly shifted service delivery to a virtual format. For most Whole Health programs, the virtual format (i.e., 'tele-Whole Health' (tele-WH)) was a novel delivery platform. Our goal was to assess Veteran experiences with and perceptions of tele-WH services. Conclusion: Following the pandemic-related shift in services, interest in tele-WH continues to rise. Our data will provide insights regarding Veteran perceptions of tele-WH, including interest in continued use of tele-WH offerings and factors that can be addressed to facilitate participation. Such information can be used by healthcare institutions to plan future availability of tele-WH services.