Improving access to high-quality mental health care for Veterans using simulation techniques
Participatory system dynamics vs usual quality improvement: Is staff use of simulation an effective, scalable and affordable way to improve timely Veteran access to high-quality mental health care?
This study is looking at how teamwork and simulations can help improve mental health care for Veterans by finding better ways to schedule appointments and connect them with the right services, making it easier for them to get the support they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Palo Alto, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176865 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how participatory system dynamics can enhance the delivery of evidence-based mental health treatments to Veterans. By utilizing simulations to model staffing, scheduling, and service referrals, the project aims to identify effective strategies for improving access to care. The approach combines qualitative and quantitative methods to engage healthcare staff in the process, ensuring that the solutions developed are practical and scalable. Ultimately, the goal is to address barriers that prevent Veterans from receiving timely and effective mental health services.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans experiencing mental health challenges, particularly those with conditions like depression, PTSD, or substance use disorders.
Not a fit: Patients who are not Veterans or those who do not have mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve Veterans' access to high-quality mental health care, potentially reducing rates of depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that participatory approaches and simulation techniques can effectively improve healthcare delivery, suggesting a promising avenue for this project.
Where this research is happening
Palo Alto, United States
- Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys — Palo Alto, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zimmerman, Lindsey Eileen — Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Zimmerman, Lindsey Eileen
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.