@article{ref1,
title="Gender differences in connecting veterans to care through the Veterans Crisis Line: a mixed methods evaluation of referrals to suicide prevention coordinators",
journal="Medical care",
year="2023",
author="Krishnamurti, Lauren S. and Agha, Aneeza and Denneson, Lauren M. and Montgomery, Ann E. and Chhatre, Sumedha and Dichter, Melissa E.",
volume="61",
number="1",
pages="50-53",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Suicide is a major public health crisis within the US military veteran community, with distinct gender differences in suicide risk and behavior. The Veterans Crisis Line (VCL) is a component of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) suicide prevention program; through VCL, veterans may be referred to a VHA Suicide Prevention Coordinator (SPC) to arrange follow-up care. Research shows that engagement with an SPC is a strong protective factor in reducing veteran suicide risk. <br><br>METHODS: We evaluated SPC referral acceptance and assessed correlates of SPC referral decline using VCL administrative data for contacts: (1) made between January 1, 2018, through December 31, 2019; (2) by veterans contacting VCL on their own behalf; (3) with gender identified; and (4) current thoughts of suicide. Then, among a subsample of 200 veterans, evenly distributed by gender, we examined data from call synopsis notes to identify reasons given for veterans declining an SPC referral. <br><br>RESULTS: We found it was generally callers rated as lower risk by responders, and callers with loneliness as a reason for contacting VCL, who more frequently declined the SPC referral. An analysis of reasons given for declining SPC referral found that concerns with/about Veterans Affairs care were a key concern, particularly among women veterans articulating specific negative care experiences. Other reasons for referral decline included managing the veteran's needs directly on the call or via alternative resources. <br><br>CONCLUSION: The VCL as an intervention provides an important opportunity to re-engage vulnerable veterans into care, one that may be more challenging for women veterans.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0025-7079",
doi="10.1097/MLR.0000000000001789",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MLR.0000000000001789"
}