Participatory system dynamics to improve timely access to high-quality mental health care for Veterans
Official title: 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?
Funded at Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-11471353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A VA project uses staff-focused simulations to test whether a participatory planning method can speed up Veterans’ access to top mental health care.
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 start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2027 |
| NIH project number | 5I01HX002521-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11471353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Veterans receiving care within VA mental health and addiction services who are experiencing barriers to timely, high-quality EBPs.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the VA system or those not experiencing access delays may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project partners clinicians and staff to model how staffing, scheduling, and referrals affect access to evidence-based mental health and addiction treatments for Veterans. It uses participatory system dynamics and simulations to explore how changes in frontline operations could improve care delivery within existing resources. By analyzing real VA data, the study aims to identify scalable strategies that bring high-quality EBPs to more Veterans who need them. The effort focuses on practical improvements in the system rather than new therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Veterans could experience faster access to high-quality mental health and addiction care within the VA system.
How similar studies have gone: Previous uses of participatory system dynamics in healthcare have shown potential to improve quality with existing resources, though translation to VA mental health access is being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
An integrated mobile health program to reduce SAVA and mental health problems among female sex workers in Kenya
A new mobile health program aims to help female sex workers in Kenya avoid substance abuse, violence, HIV, and depression by delivering group therapy, online resources, and a peer discussion space.
-
Adolescent girls in Uganda: a long-term look at how money empowerment and family support affect HIV prevention, care, and mental health
A long-term study in rural Uganda will test whether an intervention that combines economic empowerment and family strengthening can help HIV-negative and HIV-affected adolescent girls move safely into young adulthood.
-
Long-term HIV prevention and mental health support for adolescent girls and young women in Uganda
A long-term program in rural Uganda tests if combining economic support and family strengthening helps teenage girls stay HIV-free and improve mental health as they grow into young adults.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Maternal mental health help to protect kids’ breathing health
A mother-focused mental health program is tested to see if improving moms’ mood can also support better breathing and fewer asthma symptoms in children.
-
SNEngage: How Social Networks and Supports Shape Mental Health Care for Black and Latino Individuals with Serious Mental Illness
A long-term study following Black and Latino individuals with serious mental illness to learn how their social networks affect engagement with mental health services and overall well-being.
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.