Critical questions

Abstract

Purpose Women are the fastest growing Veteran population in the United States and many receive all or part of their health care outside of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The purpose of this article is to review the healthcare issues of women Veterans and discuss implications for care. Data sources Review of selected literature, VA resources and guidelines, and expert opinion. Conclusions Few providers are aware of the impact military service has on the health of women and fail to ask the all‐important question, “Have you served in the military?” Recognizing women's military service can reveal important information that can answer perplexing clinical questions, aid in designing comprehensive plans of care, and enable women to receive the assistance needed to address complex physical and psychosocial issues to improve the quality of their lives. Implications for practice There are gender disparities related to physical health conditions, mental health issues, environmental exposures, and socioeconomic factors that contribute to female Veterans’ vulnerabilities. Many of the health conditions, if recognized in a timely manner, can be ameliorated and shift the health trajectory of this population. Clinicians play a critical role in identifying health risk and helping female Veterans start the sometimes arduous journey toward wellness. Discovering and acknowledging women's military history is critical in ensuring quality care and appropriate decision making.

Meeting the complex healthcare needs of veterans

“…Females have been formally authorized to serve in ground combat roles since 2015. 33 The number of females on active duty, and subsequently the number of female veterans, has increased, with 14%-16% of the military comprised of females. Female veterans are at greater risk for service-related disabilities, endocrine disorders, MSK injuries or disorders, and mental illness than males.…”

“…Despite this, less than a quarter of female veterans receive care through the VHA. 33,34 ■ Community care Congress enacted the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 (Veterans Choice Act) to expand healthcare access for veterans. 35 The Veterans Choice Act expanded the ability of veterans to obtain medical care through approved non-VHA healthcare facilities under specifi c conditions.…”

“…While we may think of secretaries, switchboard operators, or nurses as historical roles of women in the military, in today's military, women can hold forward leaning combat or combat support roles. Females have been formally authorized to serve in ground combat roles since 2015 33…”

“…Female veterans are at greater risk for service-related disabilities, endocrine disorders, MSK injuries or disorders, and mental illness than males. Despite this, less than a quarter of female veterans receive care through the VHA 33,34…”

Medical Students Learning to Take a Complete Military History

“…Additionally, the growing number of women serving is also overlooked. 4 Connecting aspects of service to a medical condition facilitates appropriate care. 5,6 For many US medical students, clinical rotations at a Veterans Administration Medical Center (VAMC) exposes them to these conditions.…”