Chronic Pain in Community: A Mixed Methods Evaluation of the Vet-to-Vet Program.

PURPOSE: This paper presents findings from a mixed methods evaluation of the Vet-to-Vet Program-a virtual peer-led support group developed to bridge geographic barriers and address social needs for rural Veterans living with chronic pain, which is nowbut open to all Veterans. This study evaluates outcomes and healthcare utilization patterns among Veterans participating in Vet-to-Vet. METHODS: We explored outcomes of the Vet-to-Vet Program using a sequential mixed methods design with a pragmatic qualitative design and a retrospective observational quantitative design. First, we conducted focus groups and analyzed them with matrix analysis. Then, we calculated standardized mean differences to explore healthcare utilization 6 months prior to and 6 months after a Veteran's first Vet-to-Vet encounter. FINDINGS: A total of 40 Veterans participated in six focus groups and 110 Veterans were included in the observational cohort (i.e., attended five or more meetings at one of seven established sites). Focus group participants attributed the following outcomes to their participation in Vet-to-Vet: reduced social isolation and increased social connection, increased awareness and utilization of services, and improved physical and mental health. Quantitative findings demonstrated a small decrease in primary care utilization (SMD = 0.12) and a small increase in the use of Complementary and Integrative Health Services (SMD = 0.11) after Vet-to-Vet participation. We observed a small decrease in the number of Emergency Department encounters (SMD = 0.14) and hospital length of stay, when hospitalized (SMD = 0.19). CONCLUSIONS: The Vet-to-Vet Program may increase social connection, improve health outcomes, and change how Participants navigate their care.