Provider Perspectives Regarding Facility-Level Disparities in Access to Inpatient Psychiatric Occupational Therapy Services in the Veterans Health Administration

This study revealed that facility resources (e.g., staffing levels) and aspects of facility culture (e.g., commitment to interdisciplinary care) may drive variable access to inpatient psychiatric occupational therapy across VHA facilities. The findings can inform the development and evaluation of evidence-based initiatives that improve care quality and Veteran outcomes in this setting. Plain-Language Summary: Previous research has revealed variable access to inpatient psychiatric occupational therapy services across Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facilities with differing levels of complexity, measured care quality, and bed supply. This study is the first to leverage the perspectives of clinical informants (providers and administrators within the VHA) to elicit explanations for such disparities. These explanations represent modifiable targets that can inform the development of corresponding strategies aimed at achieving equitable access to inpatient psychiatric occupational therapy services in the VHA.