Exploring the Experiences of Australian Veterans with Accessing Healthcare: A Qualitative Study

Megan H. Ross; Emina Prguda; Jenny Setchell

doi:10.21061/jvs.v9i1.399

Exploring the Experiences of Australian Veterans with Accessing Healthcare: A Qualitative Study

Journal of Veterans Studies

Volume 9 (2023): Issue 1

By: Megan H. Ross , Emina Prguda and Jenny Setchell

Open Access

|Feb 2023

Abstract

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.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21061/jvs.v9i1.399 | Journal eISSN: 2470-4768

Journal RSS Feed

Language: English

Page range: 60 - 72

Submitted on: Sep 16, 2022

Accepted on: Nov 23, 2022

Published on: Feb 7, 2023

Published by: Virginia Tech Publishing

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Keywords:

Veteran,

medical,

© 2023 Megan H. Ross, Emina Prguda, Jenny Setchell, published by Virginia Tech Publishing
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 9 (2023): Issue 1