School of Medicine

Objective : Assess pt perceptions of quality and access to gynecological care through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) versus outside the VHA. Design : Anonymous cross sectional surveys distributed to VHA patients presenting for gynecological care and collected after visits. Patients : A sample of 356 female Veterans presenting for care the Mission Valley VA Women's Clinic between Nov 16, 2010 and April 10, 2013. Measures : Patients rated the quality and access of current care and over a 12 month period, both within and outside the VHA system. Analysis : The answers to questions regarding quality and access to care at the VA were summarized. Answers to questions comparing the VA versus outside care was dichotomized (better at the VA versus the same or worse) and was analyzed with respect to age (18-39 versus ≥40) and race (White, Black, Asian, Hispanic and other). Results : Gynecological care through the VA was rated as better than outside care by 70% and easier to access by 62%. There was no statistical significant difference reported with respect to age or race.