2024 | Flash Funding | Enhancing Accessibility: User and Geospatial Analysis of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Services
FLASH FUNDED PROJECTÂ | Whole Health Consortium
Enhancing Accessibility: User and Geospatial Analysis of Veterans Affaris Healthcare Services
TEAM:
- Mengxi Zhang, Health Systems & Implementation Science, VTCSOM
- Junghwan Kim, Geography
- Rena (Liz) Courtney, Salem VA Medical Center
- Francis Cannizzo, Salem VA Medical Center
This project aims to enhance the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system's effectiveness by understanding its user base and optimizing the geographical accessibility of VA healthcare facilities for veterans. The first objective is to identify veterans who utilize and do not utilize the system and understand the differences in their demographics and health status. The second objective is to evaluate the geographic accessibility of VA healthcare facilities, extending geospatial analysis to Virginia using the 2-step floating catchment area method. This method will help measure the spatial accessibility score and identify areas needing improvement.
By involving community members and clinicians, the project seeks to gather comprehensive data and insights to develop effective strategies for optimizing the VA healthcare system. Biweekly meetings and site visits will be conducted to refine research areas, explore available datasets, and discuss potential grant applications. The ultimate goal is to improve the accessibility and quality of care for veterans, encouraging more to enroll in and utilize VA healthcare services.