Using What Matters Most to improve health care delivery for individuals and populations of veterans experiencing homelessness and substance use disorders.

Abstract

Objectives: To understand ways in which the Personal Health Inventory (PHI), a tool to prompt reflection on what matters most and status in 8 components of health and well-being, can be used to inform care of homeless veterans entering a Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program, at individual and programmatic levels.

Methods: Mixed method study was conducted at one residential treatment program. Quantitative data was collected from the PHI (n=64) and was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Qualitative data was collected from the PHI and semi-structured staff interviews (n=9) and was analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results: Approximately half of veterans entering the program between January and September, 2023 completed a PHI. Themes for what matters most included: 1) reconnecting with family, 2) improving health, and 3) self-discovery. Structured responses to the 8 areas of health indicated lowest satisfaction with: 1) relationships, 2) personal development, and 3) surroundings. Staff interviews indicated knowing where veterans are most and least satisfied helped inform goal setting and connection to resources. Population-level analysis of information from the PHI prompted reflection on existing programming.

Conclusions: Residential treatment programs may benefit from incorporating brief instruments like the PHI to inform individual care and overall program offerings.