Perspectives of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders and their providers on impacted healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic

Veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D) reported experiencing challenges from disrupted and deferred health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, including disrupted care coordination, supply chain, and essential services, such as wheelchair repair. This study used qualitative methods to examine the perspectives of Veterans with SCI/D (VSCI/D) and SCI/D healthcare providers on how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted health services. Virtual focus groups were conducted with both VSCI/D who received care at the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and VHA SCI/D providers who provided services for VSCI/D between March 2020 and March 2022. Topics assessed COVID-19 pandemic experiences including healthcare access and needs, Veteran and provider perspectives of Veterans’ experiences during the pandemic, Veterans’ coping strategies, and future emergency preparedness strategies. There were 11 Veterans and 11 providers who participated in focus groups. Five themes were identified: (1) challenges with healthcare, care coordination, and homecare; (2) supply chain issues; (3) adapting to virtual platforms for support and therapy; (4) communication and reliable information about COVID-19; and (5) challenges with isolation and limited independence. This study highlights challenges VSCI/D faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Recommendations to enhance VHA support for VSCI/D during future emergencies include strengthening home care support, system level changes to supply management to be more flexible, and interdisciplinary town halls to transparently share comprehensive information. Virtual peer support groups may address challenges with isolation and limited independence.