Exploring the Experiences of Australian Veterans with Accessing Healthcare
A Qualitative Study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22158295 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Megan H Ross (0000-0001-5467-3559, The University of Queensland, corresponding author), Emina Prguda (0000-0003-4426-5505, Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation), Jenny Setchell (0000-0002-1946-4492, The University of Queensland) |
| Year | 2023 |
| Volume | 9 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 60-72 |
| Publication date | 2023-02-07 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Veterans Studies (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2470-4768 • E-ISSN: 2470-4768 |
| Publisher | Virginia Tech Libraries (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.21061/jvs.v9i1.399 |
| OpenAlex | W4319349896 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 16 |
Service in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) can be associated with health consequences. Poorer physical and psychological health and health-related quality of life of Australian veterans are frequently reported in the literature and government inquiries, with little evidence of improved health outcomes. The purpose of this study is to gain a greater understanding of how Australian veterans experience healthcare, with the ultimate intention of highlighting the challenges faced when navigating the civilian healthcare system, and to provide possible strategies to improve Australian veterans’ experiences of healthcare. Qualitative data were collected between August and September 2019 via a purpose-built online survey (N = 82) and semi-structured interviews (N = 11) with Australian veterans who had accessed the civilian healthcare system after discharge. Participants were recruited Australia-wide via social media advertising and ex-service organisations. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach to describe participant experiences and perspectives. Participants (aged 24–80 years; 88% male) had served between 1 and 49 years in the ADF. Five key themes were produced through analysis. When accessing healthcare, veterans described systemic issues, difficulties finding appropriate clinicians, additional load on veterans, difficulties with transition from military to civilian healthcare, and feeling disregarded. Based on this analysis, and recommendations from participating veterans, strategies to improve healthcare access could include case co-ordination, access to knowledgeable providers, improved system navigation, and continuity of care from ADF to civilian care and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Feeling · Health care · Healthcare service · Political science · Qualitative property · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Veterans Affairs · Medicine · Nursing · Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Research · Primary Care and Health Outcomes · Psychology · Social Psychology · Trauma and Emergency Care Studies · Gerontology
| Unique citing works | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 2 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Citation velocity | current |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 2 |