Date of Conferral

6-21-2024

Date of Award

6-21-2024

Degree

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (D.H.A.)

School

Management

Advisor

Kourtney Nieves

Abstract

Background: The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated healthcare system, providing care at 1,298 healthcare facilities, including 171 medical centers such as Michael E. DeBakey Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston, Texas, and 1,113 outpatient healthcare clinics. Studies show that suicide rates are significantly higher among the veteran population than the general population. Purpose: The purpose of conducting a literature review is to identify factors contributing to the lack of timely access to mental health care services internally and externally. It also explored what initiatives need to be implemented to improve the timely access of mental health services within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system to aid in the reduction of suicide rates among the veteran population. Method: Integrative review of literature articles obtained by utilizing the Walden University Library to search through various databases such as APA PsycInfo, Military & Government Collection, Business Source Complete, MEDLINE with Full Text, Journals@OVID, Gale Academic OneFile Select, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and PubMed. Results: New frameworks and strategies are currently being piloted to improve the Veterans Affairs Healthcare System operations. However, timely access to mental health care continues to be an ongoing issue. Conclusions: Enhancements are currently being piloted to improve the VA’s structure, processes, and outcomes for timely access to mental healthcare services, which may contribute to reducing the rates of suicide among the United States of America’s veteran population.

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