Improving Patient-Provider Communication to Reduce Mental Health Disparities

Improving Patient-provider Communication to Reduce Mental Health Disparities (CDA 16-153)

The purpose of this study was to develop and pilot test an intervention to reduce mental health disparities for racially and ethnically minoritized Veterans receiving outpatient VA mental health services. The program was delivered by trained VA peer navigators. The specific aims of the program were to enhance navigation of mental health services, increase patient engagement, and improve patient-provider communication.

Study participants were randomized into one of two study groups, which determined when they received the study intervention. Regardless of study group, participants had the opportunity to receive services in addition to their regular mental health treatment (either immediately after enrollment into the study or after a 6-month waiting period).

Participants were asked to complete study questionnaires at different timepoints throughout the study to assess their overall satisfaction with the study program and the mental health services that they received. Some participants also completed an interview to discuss their experience in the program.

Inclusion Criteria:

To be eligible:

• Must be a Veteran belonging to a racial/ethnic minoritized group
• Must be actively receiving mental health care in the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic at Veteran Health Indiana (Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center)
• Must have started receiving mental health care as a new patient in the Outpatient Mental Health within 12 months prior to enrollment into the study

Exclusion Criteria:

Not eligible if:

• Is a Veteran not belonging to a racial/ethnic minoritized group
• Not actively receiving mental health care in the Outpatient Mental Health Clinic at Veteran Health Indiana (Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center)
• Started receiving mental health care as a new patient in the Outpatient Mental Health outside of the 12-month window