Carrie M. Farmer

@carriefarmer on Twitter

Codirector, RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute; Director, Health Care Quality Measurement and Improvement Program; Senior Policy Researcher

Pittsburgh Office

Education

Ph.D. in health policy, Harvard University; B.A. in psychobiology, Wellesley College

One Page Bio

Media Resources

This researcher is available for interviews.

To arrange an interview, contact the RAND Office of Media Relations at (310) 451-6913, or email media@rand.org.

More Experts

Overview

Carrie M. Farmer is codirector of the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute, director of the Health Care Quality Measurement and Improvement Program, and a senior policy researcher at the RAND Corporation. Her areas of research include military and veteran health policy and quality of health care. She has led multiple studies to assess the delivery of health care to veterans and service members, including a study of behavioral health care in the Military Health System, a study of the use of measurement-based care in the treatment of behavioral health conditions in the Veterans Health Administration, and studies to assess the capacity of community providers to meet the health care needs of veterans.

Farmer was the study director for a large, comprehensive assessment of the Veterans Health Administration required by the Veterans, Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014. She was also the codirector for a study of innovative approaches for treating psychological health problems and traumatic brain injury in the Department of Defense and led the largest assessment to date of care received by service members following a mild traumatic brain injury. She is a member of the Department of Veterans Affairs National Research Advisory Council. She received her Ph.D. in health policy from Harvard University and her B.A. in psychobiology from Wellesley College.

Research Focus

Recent Projects

High quality care for PTSD and TBI among post-9/11 veterans
Measurement-based mental health care within the Department of Veterans Affairs
Congressionally-mandated independent assessment of the Veterans Health Administration
Evaluation of the well-being of veterans and service members in Massachusetts
Evaluation of public health and mental health programs

Selected Publications

Rasmussen, Petra W., Carrie M. Farmer, The Promise and Challenges of VA Community Care: Veterans' Issues in Focus, RAND Corporation (PE-A1363-5), 2022

Farmer, Carrie M., Sierra Smucker, Natalie Ernecoff, and Hamad Al-Ibrahim, Recommended Standards for Delivering High-Quality Care to Veterans with Invisible Wounds, RAND Corporation (RR-A1728-1), 2022

Bouskill, Kathryn E., Carrie M. Farmer, Irineo Cabreros, Jonathan H. Cantor, Natalie Ernecoff, Lynn Hu, Shira H. Fischer, Aaron Kofner, Lisa S. Meredith, Matthew L. Mizel, Aneesa Motala, Tepring Piquado, Zachary Predmore, and Rajeev Ramchand, Improving Care for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Across the Lifespan, RAND Corporation (RR-A1205-1), 2022

Brooks Holliday S; Hepner KA, Farmer CM, Ivany C, Iyiewuare P, McGee-Vincent P, McCaslin S, Rosen CS, "A Qualitative Evaluation of Veterans Health Administration’s Implementation of Measurement-Based Care in Behavioral Health," Psychological Services, 17(3), 2020

Tanielian T and Farmer C., "The US Military Health System: Promoting Readiness and Providing Health Care.," Health Affairs, 38(8), 2019

Hepner, Kimberly A., Coreen Farris, Carrie M. Farmer, Praise O. Iyiewuare, Terri Tanielian, Asa Wilks, Michael W. Robbins, Susan M. Paddock, and Harold Alan Pincus, Delivering Clinical Practice Guideline–Concordant Care for PTSD and Major Depression in Military Treatment Facilities, RAND Corporation (RR-1692), 2017

Farmer, Carrie M., Terri Tanielian, Shira H. Fischer, Erin Lindsey Duffy, Stephanie Dellva, Emily Butcher, Kristine M. Brown, and Emily Hoch, Supporting Veterans in Massachusetts: An Assessment of Needs, Well-Being, and Available Resources, RAND Corporation (RR-1698), 2017

Farmer, Carrie M., Susan D. Hosek, and David M. Adamson, Balancing Demand and Supply for Veterans' Health Care: A Summary of Three RAND Assessments Conducted Under the Veterans Choice Act, RAND Corporation (RR-1165z4), 2016

Recent Media Appearances

Interviews: Federal News Radio; Scripps News; Stars and Stripes; WFED-AM Online; WPXI-PIT

Commentary

Neurological Disorders

New Clinical Outcome Assessments Could Improve Treatment for Parkinson's
The prevalence of Parkinson's disease has doubled over the last 25 years, and over 8.5 million people are living with the disease worldwide, but treatment options are limited. The development of new clinical outcome assessments could lead to new treatments for the disease.
Apr 25, 2023
The RAND Blog
Veterans Health Care

RAND Experts on Veteran Mental Health Respond to the White House Mental Health Research Priorities
The White House identified eight research priorities to better manage America's current mental health crisis. RAND researchers highlight why each area is critical for veteran mental health and how RAND is contributing to address them.
Feb 20, 2023
The RAND Blog
Military Personnel Retention

The Precarious Transition of Unvaccinated Service Members
U.S. service members separated from the military for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine were largely separated with a general discharge under honorable conditions. While they may be eligible for health care and disability compensation from the VA, they are not eligible for G.I. Bill benefits. How have they fared as they entered civilian society unvaccinated and with limited benefits?
Dec 19, 2022
The RAND Blog
Veterans Health Care

Setting Standards for Delivering High-Quality Care to Veterans with Invisible Wounds
Posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, traumatic brain injury, and substance use disorders are common among post-9/11 veterans and can interfere with their employment, family life, engagement with their communities, and overall well-being. A shared definition and standards for high-quality care can help organizations better support veterans.
Sep 12, 2022
The RAND Blog
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

A Memorial Day Like No Other
Although Memorial Day is and should be dedicated to our fallen military personnel and veterans, this year, especially, we are reminded that service to the country comes in many forms.
May 27, 2021
The RAND Blog
Veterans Health Care

Infrastructure Investment for Veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides health care to over 9 million veterans through its network of medical facilities. Improved infrastructure could help attract veterans to care, boost provider morale, and ensure high-quality care.
May 4, 2021
The RAND Blog
Military Health and Health Care

All Veterans with Invisible Wounds Should Receive High-Quality Care That Meets These Standards
Millions of post-9/11 U.S. military veterans experience life-changing invisible wounds, including posttraumatic stress disorder and chronic issues resulting from traumatic brain injuries. While effective treatments are available, many veterans lack access to high-quality care. And what high-quality care means, exactly, has been elusive.
Oct 30, 2020
The RAND Blog
Medical Professionals

Amidst a Pandemic, a Mental Health Crisis May Be Looming
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on health care workers' mental health could be significant and may weaken the health care system's ability to resolve the crisis and survive over the long term. Interventions to promote psychological well-being should be implemented now.
Apr 1, 2020
The RAND Blog
Veterans Health Care

Did We Improve Veterans Health Care? It's Unclear
The Veterans Choice program was designed to expedite veterans' access to health care and relieve pressure on the VA system. Before making the program permanent, the VA should better understand its effectiveness.
May 24, 2016
U.S. News & World Report
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

Military Security Contractors Get PTSD, Too
Largely absent from the conversation about the use of military security contractors are the parallel issues of mental health and the deployment-related stress contractors can face.
Jun 12, 2015
USA Today
Civilian Military Workforce

Out of the Shadows, Into the Light: Why Americans Should Care About the Health of Contractors Deploying to Conflict Environments
In contrast to the numerous mental health resources available to members of the U.S. military, very few (if any) resources are available to help private contractors struggling with mental health problems. It is in the best interest of all involved to ensure that contractors receive the support and treatment they need.
Jan 21, 2014
The RAND Blog
Military Health and Health Care

Stigma Reduction Programs Could Help Those with PTSD, but the Evidence Is Weak
Determining the effectiveness of programs designed to reduce the stigma of post-traumatic stress disorder is essential to helping servicemembers seek and receive the care they need.
Jul 3, 2012

Publications

Report
"Conditions for Postservice Success Are Set Well Before the Uniform Comes Off": Proceedings from a Roundtable on How Military Service Affects Veterans' Posttransition Outcomes
The RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute hosted subject-matter experts for a roundtable discussion focusing on how military experience shapes veterans' transitions to civilian life.
May 30, 2023
Report
Clinical Outcome Assessments and Digital Health Technologies Supporting Clinical Trial Endpoints in Early Parkinson's Disease: Roundtable Proceedings and Roadmap for Research
This document summarizes the proceedings of an event held to discuss challenges in clinical outcome assessment development for treatments in early Parkinson's disease and to identify priorities for the field and opportunities for collaboration.
Apr 24, 2023
Report
Psychedelics and Veterans' Mental Health: The Evolving Legal and Policy Landscape in the United States
The federal government must consider how best to support veterans and their health care providers as the legal and policy landscape surrounding the therapeutic use of psychedelics continues to evolve.
Dec 21, 2022
Journal Article
Experiences with Telehealth for Outpatient Palliative Care: Findings from a Mixed-Methods Study of Patients and Providers Across the United States
The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine and compare telehealth experiences among outpatient palliative care programs and their patients in the United States.
Oct 25, 2022
Testimony
Wait Times for Veterans Scheduling Health Care Appointments: Challenges with Available Data on the Timeliness and Quality of VA Community Care
Testimony presented before the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on September 21, 2022.
Sep 21, 2022
Report
The Promise and Challenges of VA Community Care: Veterans' Issues in Focus
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs contracts with private-sector providers to help ensure that eligible veterans receive timely health care. This care can alleviate access barriers for veterans, but questions remain about its cost and quality.
Sep 6, 2022
Journal Article
Protecting the Mental and Physical Well-Being of Frontline Health Care Workers During COVID-19: Study Protocol of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed health care workers at unprecedented risk of stress, burnout, and moral injury. This paper describes the design of an ongoing cluster randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of Stress First Aid (SFA) to Usual Care (UC) in protecting the well-being of frontline health care workers.
May 17, 2022
Report
Recommended Standards for Delivering High-Quality Care to Veterans with Invisible Wounds
The authors identified ten standards for the delivery of high-quality care for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use disorders, and mild traumatic brain injury.
May 9, 2022
Research Brief
Setting Standards for Delivering High-Quality Care to Veterans with Invisible Wounds
RAND researchers identified ten standards for the delivery of high-quality care for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, substance use disorders, and mild traumatic brain injury.
May 9, 2022
Report
Improving Care for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury Across the Lifespan
This report presents findings from a study designed to identify the long-term outcomes of traumatic brain injury for veterans, the future needs of this population, effective treatments, and the availability of community-based resources.
Apr 28, 2022
Research Brief
Strategies to Improve Long-Term Outcomes for Veterans with Traumatic Brain Injury
This brief describes findings from a study on the long-term outcomes of traumatic brain injury for veterans, the future needs of this population, effective treatments, and the availability of community-based resources.
Apr 28, 2022
Report
Access to Health Care Among TRICARE-Covered Children
Analyses of survey data allow a comparison between children with TRICARE and other types of insurance, as well as between children who have changed addresses more and less frequently and children with special health care needs and those without.
Nov 8, 2021
Report
American Perspectives on Veterans: A July–September 2021 American Life Panel Survey About Americans' Support for Veterans' Benefits and Services
Data from the RAND American Life Panel collected in July-September 2021 reveal what benefits and services Americans think the U.S. government should provide to veterans and how much they would be willing to pay in taxes to fund this support.
Sep 30, 2021
Research Brief
New Patient-Centered Quality Measures for Office-Based Palliative Care
This research brief describes the development and testing of two patient-centered quality measures of symptom management and communication and provides considerations for palliative care providers that plan to use them.
Sep 13, 2021
Report
MACRA Palliative Care Quality Measure Development—Testing Summary Report: Measure Name: Receiving Desired Help for Pain
The authors describe the results of their national beta field test for a performance measure designed to assess the extent to which patients who used ambulatory palliative care received the help they wanted for their pain.
Sep 3, 2021
Report
MACRA Palliative Care Quality Measure Development—Testing Summary Report: Measure Name: Feeling Heard and Understood
The authors describe the results of their national beta field test for a performance measure designed to assess the extent to which patients who used ambulatory palliative care felt heard and understood by their palliative care provider and team.
Sep 3, 2021
Report
Evolution of Department of Defense Disability Evaluation and Management of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury: Overview of Policy Changes, 2001–2018
The authors review major policy changes to the military's disability evaluation system between 2001 and 2018 with a particular focus on changes to policies related to posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
May 10, 2021
Research Brief
Post 9/11 Trends in Medical Separation and Separation for Service Members with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury
Trends in military medical discharges and disability ratings can help the U.S. Department of Defense set goals for diagnosing, treating, and evaluating service members with posttraumatic stress disorder or traumatic brain injury.
May 10, 2021
Report
Trends in Department of Defense Disability Evaluation System Ratings and Awards for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury, 2002–2017
The authors conduct an empirical analysis of trends in diagnosis, treatment, and disability evaluation for posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury among military service members between 2002 and 2017.
May 10, 2021
Report
Defining High-Quality Care for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Proposed Definition and Next Steps for the Veteran Wellness Alliance
A rigorously developed, shared definition of high-quality care for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury will help clinical providers and veteran-serving organizations better meet the needs of this population.
Oct 22, 2020
Research Brief
A Shared Definition of High-Quality Care Can Help Veterans Combat Invisible Wounds
A rigorously developed, shared definition of high-quality care for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder and mild traumatic brain injury will help clinical providers and veteran-serving organizations better meet the needs of this population.
Oct 22, 2020
Journal Article
Discussing Measurement-Based Care with Patients: An Analysis of Clinician-Patient Dyads
The goal of this study was to explore the types of issues that arise in routine practice in early stage measurement-based care (MBC) implementation.
Jun 26, 2020
Draft
MACRA Palliative Care Quality Measure Development: Summary Report of Alpha Testing
Summarizes findings from a small pilot study which was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of data collection processes and refine the testing plan in advance of a larger national field test.
Jun 15, 2020
Report
Development of Palliative Care Quality Measures for Outpatients in a Clinic-Based Setting: A Report on Information Gathering Activities
This report summarizes information gathering activities completed as of September 2019. It provides background information on the importance of and need for development of quality measures for palliative care based on patient-reported experience.
Feb 25, 2020
Report
Displaying Behavioral Health Measurement-Based Care Data: Identifying Key Features from Clinician and Patient Perspectives
This report documents the findings from qualitative interviews that assessed clinician and patient perspectives on various options for displaying measurement-based care (MBC) data, with the goal of identifying core features of MBC data displays.
Sep 4, 2019
Testimony
Ensuring Access to Timely, High-Quality Health Care for Veterans: Insights from RAND Research
Testimony submitted to the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs on April 10, 2019.
Apr 10, 2019
Report
Programs Addressing Psychological Health and Resilience in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
This report reviews the evidence base for common approaches used in workplace psychological health programs and profiles U.S. Department of Homeland Security programs that address psychological health, peer support, and resilience.
Mar 26, 2019
Report
Integrating Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs Purchased Care: Preliminary Feasibility Assessment
An integrated approach to purchasing health care for U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs could have important implications for access, quality, and costs but could face legislative, policy, or contractual challenges.
Nov 26, 2018
Research Brief
Preliminary Feasibility Assessment of DoD-VA Purchased Care Integration
An integrated approach to purchasing health care for U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs could have important implications for access, quality, and costs but could face legislative, policy, or contractual challenges.
Nov 26, 2018
Journal Article
Comparing Quality of Care in Veterans Affairs and Non-Veterans Affairs Settings
The VA health system performed as well or better than the non-VA system on most of inpatient and outpatient care quality, but there was high variation in quality across VA facilities.
May 2, 2018
Research Brief
Are Private Health Care Providers Ready to Treat Veterans? Evidence from New York State
This brief highlights key findings of a RAND survey of providers in New York State regarding the preparedness of community providers (i.e., not affiliated with the Department of Veterans Affairs) to treat veterans.
Mar 1, 2018
Report
Ready or Not? Assessing the Capacity of New York State Health Care Providers to Meet the Needs of Veterans
This report assessed whether private-sector providers in New York are equipped to offer timely access to high-quality care that addresses veterans' unique needs.
Mar 1, 2018
Research Brief
How Might Veterans and the VA Health System Be Affected by Repeal of the Affordable Care Act?
The American Health Care Act would increase uninsurance among veterans and demand for Department of Veterans Affairs care by a greater margin than simply returning to pre-Affordable Care Act levels of coverage.
Sep 14, 2017
Report
Veterans' Health Insurance Coverage Under the Affordable Care Act and Implications of Repeal for the Department of Veterans Affairs
This report describes the Affordable Care Act's effects on nonelderly veterans' insurance coverage and demand for Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care and assesses the coverage and VA utilization changes that could result from repeal.
Sep 14, 2017
Report
Delivering Clinical Practice Guideline–Concordant Care for PTSD and Major Depression in Military Treatment Facilities
This report describes the psychological health workforce at military treatment facilities, examines the extent to which care is consistent with clinical practice guidelines, and identifies facilitators and barriers to providing this care.
Aug 14, 2017
Infographic
Military Mental Health Care: Provider Perspectives on Treating PTSD and Depression
This infographic describes data on various aspects of the Military Health System capacity to treat posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.
Aug 14, 2017
Journal Article
Quality of Care Measures for the Management of Unhealthy Alcohol Use
Proposed quality of care measures for unhealthy alcohol use focus on screening, assessment, treatment, and follow-up in outpatient care.
Mar 13, 2017
Research Brief
Supporting Those Who Served in Massachusetts: Needs, Well-Being, and Available Resources for Veterans
Massachusetts veterans have unmet needs for education, employment, health care, housing, financial, and legal services. A better understanding of these needs can inform investments in services and guide efforts to remedy barriers to access.
Mar 7, 2017
Report
Supporting Veterans in Massachusetts: An Assessment of Needs, Well-Being, and Available Resources
Massachusetts veterans have unmet needs for education, employment, health care, housing, financial, and legal services. A better understanding of these needs can inform investments in services and guide efforts to remedy barriers to access.
Mar 7, 2017
Journal Article
"You Should Drink Less": Frequency and Predictors of Discussions Between Providers and Patients About Reducing Alcohol Use
Most veterans with alcohol misuse reported receiving advice to reduce or abstain from drinking.
Nov 9, 2016
Journal Article
Comparing VA and Non-Va Quality of Care: A Systematic Review
The VA often performs better than or similarly to other systems of care with regard to the safety and effectiveness of care.
Sep 14, 2016
Journal Article
Stakeholder Experiences in a Stepped Collaborative Care Study Within U.S. Army Clinics
Stakeholder perceptions and use of collaborative care could be improved by enhancing the design of the web-based therapy tools; increasing the frequency of team meetings and case presentations; and expanding training for primary care providers on screening and treatment for PTSD and depression and on the collaborative care model's structure, processes, and offerings.
Jul 5, 2016
Research Brief
Characteristics and Treatment Patterns of Service Members with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
This research brief describes the first comprehensive study of care for mild traumatic brain injury, or concussion, in the Military Health System, including patient characteristics, care settings, co-occurring conditions, and long-term care needs.
Apr 18, 2016
Report
Understanding Treatment of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in the Military Health System
This first population-based study of care received by service members with mild traumatic brain injury in the Military Health System profiles patients, their care settings and treatments, co-occurring conditions, and risk factors for long-term care.
Apr 18, 2016
Tool
Candidate Quality Measures to Assess Care for Alcohol Misuse: Technical Specifications
This tool presents detailed technical specifications for the set of quality measures identified and specified in a study of the link between improvements in processes of care for alcohol misuse and improvements in outcomes, known as the AQual study.
Apr 14, 2016
Journal Article
Barriers to Engaging Service Members in Mental Health Care Within the U.S. Military Health System
Despite efforts to integrate behavioral health care into primary care in the military health system, members of the military continue to perceive barriers to mental health care access. Issues remain with capacity, culture, and care quality.
Apr 1, 2016
Report
Balancing Demand and Supply for Veterans' Health Care: A Summary of Three RAND Assessments Conducted Under the Veterans Choice Act
This summary of three RAND's assessments for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) examines veteran demographics and health care needs, VA's health care capabilities, and authorities and mechanisms for purchasing care.
Feb 4, 2016
Report
Authorities and Mechanisms for Purchased Care at the Department of Veterans Affairs
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) furnishes purchased care services through an array of programs, each with different requirements and processes. A strategy for purchased care is needed to design an effective purchased care program.
Dec 31, 2015
Report
Current and Projected Characteristics and Unique Health Care Needs of the Patient Population Served by the Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans who rely on Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care are older and less healthy than other veterans. Analysis of a range of data sources showed how the veteran population and demand for VA health care could change in the next decade.
Dec 31, 2015
Report
Resources and Capabilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs to Provide Timely and Accessible Care to Veterans
The Department of Veterans Affairs health care system, with broad resources and capabilities, provides timely and high-quality care to most, but not all, patients. Meeting veterans' needs over the next five years will require additional capacity.
Dec 31, 2015
Research Brief
Policies to Support a Better Treatment for Heroin and Prescription Opioid Abuse: Unlike Methadone, Buprenorphine Can Be Taken at Home, but Greater Access is Key
Increasing the number of physicians who can prescribe buprenorphine for opioid abuse and supporting their ability to treat more patients may be the fastest approach to enhancing capacity for treatment, particularly in less populated counties.
Dec 17, 2015
Report
Assessing the Quality and Value of Psychological Health Care in Civilian Health Plans: Lessons and Implications for the Military Health System
The Military Health System (MHS) cares for many patients with psychological health conditions. RAND examines civilian health plans' approaches to measuring the quality of psychological health care to inform MHS' quality measurement efforts.
Nov 16, 2015
Report
Improving Care for Co-Occurring Psychological Health and Substance Use Disorders: An Implementation Evaluation of the Co-Occurring Disorders Clinician Training Program
The report evaluates implementation of a clinician training program to improve care for Navy personnel with co-occurring disorders. Results suggest careful planning for training initiatives could increase implementation of evidence-based practice.
May 13, 2015
Report
Care Transitions to and from the National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) for Service Members with Traumatic Brain Injury
The National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE) provides specialized services for troops suffering from traumatic brain injury (TBI). RAND evaluated interactions between the NICoE and providers referring patients and implementing treatment plans.
May 7, 2015
Report
Evaluation of the Operational Stress Control and Readiness (OSCAR) Program
Researchers conducted an outcome evaluation of the Marine Corps Operational Stress Control and Readiness program, which trains officers and noncommissioned officers to recognize Marines showing signs of stress and intervene early.
Apr 27, 2015
Report
Measuring the Quality of Care for Psychological Health Conditions in the Military Health System: Candidate Quality Measures for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder
Researchers identified, developed, and described a framework and candidate set of measures to monitor, assess, and improve the quality of care delivered by the military health system for posttraumatic stress disorder and major depressive disorder.
Apr 24, 2015
Journal Article
Practice Guidance for Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorders: Results of an Expert Panel Process
The authors developed an updated and expanded set of buprenorphine treatment guidelines; this additional guidance may increase credentialed physicians' comfort with prescribing buprenorphine to patients with opioid use disorders.
Apr 22, 2015
Research Brief
Without Quality Measures, Increasing Access to Substance Use Treatment May Not Improve Patient Outcomes
Expanded coverage under the Affordable Care Act could provide evidence-based substance use care for many individuals whose condition now goes untreated, but effective quality measures must be developed and tested to ensure high-quality care.
Jan 16, 2015
Journal Article
Supply of Buprenorphine Waivered Physicians: The Influence of State Policies
The authors calculated the number of buprenorphine-waivered physicians and used multivariate regression models to predict number of buprenorphine-waivered physicians/100,000 residents as a function of county characteristics, state policies and efforts to promote buprenorphine use.
2015
Journal Article
The Affordable Care Act: An Opportunity for Improving Care for Substance Use Disorders?
The ACA expands coverage for substance use treatment, but provides no measures for assessing its quality.
2015
Report
Pre-Deployment Stress, Mental Health, and Help-Seeking Behaviors Among Marines
This report describes the methods and findings of a large survey of marines who were preparing for a deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan in 2010 or 2011.
Dec 15, 2014
Report
Ready to Serve: Community-Based Provider Capacity to Deliver Culturally Competent, Quality Mental Health Care to Veterans and Their Families
Civilian providers are a key part of the workforce addressing mental health needs of veterans and their families. This report describes their competency with military culture and their experience treating posttraumatic stress disorder and depression.
Nov 12, 2014
Research Brief
Therapeutic Measures Required: To Ensure Millions of Veterans and Their Families Get High-Quality Care, Community Mental Health Providers Need More Training, Support, Resources
A RAND study found very few community civilian providers surveyed met key thresholds for military cultural competency and use of evidence-based care, indicating few are ready overall to assist service members, veterans, and their families.
Nov 12, 2014
Infographic
Out of the Shadows: What We Know About the Well-Being and Experiences of Private Contractors Working in Conflict Environments
Private contractors deployed in conflict zones experience stressors known to have negative physical and mental health implications for military personnel. We examine how this
May 21, 2014
Research Brief
Improving Programs that Address Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury: The RAND Toolkit
RAND developed a set of four tools to assist with understanding, evaluating, and improving performance of programs that address psychological health and traumatic brain injuries among service members.
Jan 8, 2014
Report
The Development and Application of the RAND Program Classification Tool: The RAND Toolkit, Volume 1
The RAND Program Classification Tool is an instrument containing questions and response options across eight core domains that allows managers of a portfolio of programs to quickly, easily, and consistently describe and compare their programs.
Jan 8, 2014
Report
A Program Manager's Guide for Program Improvement in Ongoing Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Programs: The RAND Toolkit, Volume 4
The RAND Program Manager's Guide is a tool to help those responsible for managing or implementing programs to assess program performance, consider improvement options, implement solutions, and assess how well the changes worked.
Jan 8, 2014
Report
The RAND Online Measure Repository for Evaluating Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Programs: The RAND Toolkit, Volume 2
The RAND Online Measure Repository is an online searchable database of 171 measures of psychological health and traumatic brain injury, including measure domains, uses, psychometrics, and costs, that can be used to support program evaluation.
Jan 8, 2014
Report
Out of the Shadows: The Health and Well-Being of Private Contractors Working in Conflict Environments
Deployed contractors may be exposed to the same stressors as military personnel. A RAND survey examined the mental and physical health of contractors, their deployment experiences, and their access to and use of health care resources.
Dec 10, 2013
Journal Article
Predictors of Adequate Depression Treatment Among Medicaid-enrolled Youth
Determines if Medicaid-enrolled youth with depressive symptoms receive adequate acute treatment, and identifies the characteristics of those receiving inadequate treatment.
2013
Journal Article
Public and Nonprofit Funding for Research on Mental Disorders in France, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Funding for research on mental disorders accounts for low proportions of research budgets compared with funding levels for research on other major health problems, whereas the expected return on investment is potentially high.
Jul 1, 2012
Journal Article
Applying a Natural Language Processing Tool to Electronic Health Records to Assess Performance on Colonoscopy Quality Measures
Natural language processing programs can "read" dictated reports and measure colonoscopy quality in an inexpensive, automated, and efficient manner.
2012
Journal Article
The Impact of Buprenorphine on Treatment of Opioid Dependence in a Medicaid Population: Recent Service Utilization Trends in the Use of Buprenorphine and Methadone
Buprenorphine use has increased in recent years, with the greatest use in rural communities and in office based settings.
2012
Research Brief
Addressing Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Among Servicemembers and Their Families: Existing Department of Defense Programs and Options for Improvement
Provides overviews and detailed descriptions of 211 programs currently sponsored or funded by the Department of Defense to address psychological health and traumatic brain injury, along with recommendations to maximize program effectiveness.
Nov 9, 2011
Report
Programs Addressing Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury Among U.S. Military Servicemembers and Their Families
Provides overviews and detailed descriptions of 211 programs currently sponsored or funded by the Department of Defense to address psychological health and traumatic brain injury, along with recommendations to maximize program effectiveness.
Nov 9, 2011
Research Brief
The Cost and Quality of VA Mental Health Services
The quality of mental health care delivered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is generally as good or better than care delivered by private health plans, although it falls short of the high standards set in VA guidelines.
Oct 19, 2011
Report
Veterans Health Administration Mental Health Program Evaluation: Capstone Report
Evaluation of mental health services provided by the VA for veterans with selected mental diagnoses and recommendations for improving capacity and quality monitoring.
Oct 19, 2011
Research Brief
Better Understanding the Needs of Veterans in New York State
Shares results of a study assessing the broad array of challenges that returning veterans face at the state level, including a range of mental health concerns, problems finding jobs commensurate with their skills, and complicated health care systems.
Apr 5, 2011
Report
A Needs Assessment of New York State Veterans: Final Report to the New York State Health Foundation
Researchers report results of a study of the needs of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans residing in New York state, the existing services available to meet those needs, and the experiences of veterans who have tried to use these services.
Jan 26, 2011
Journal Article
Care for Veterans with Mental and Substance Use Disorders: Good Performance, but Room to Improve on Many Measures
The 15 % of veterans with mental health illness accounted for about one-third of total VA costs, mostly for non-mental health conditions. VA quality of care was generally better than care in private plans, but quality varied across VA regions.
2011
Journal Article
Predictors of Adequate Depression Treatment Among Medicaid-enrolled Adults
Determine whether Medicaid-enrolled depressed adults receive adequate treatment for depression and to identify the characteristics of those receiving inadequate treatment.
Feb 1, 2010
Journal Article
Effect of Depression Treatment on Chronic Pain Outcomes
Depression treatment improves mental health and reduces the effects of pain on work among individual with both chronic pain and depression.
2010
Journal Article
Older People's Experiences of Patient-Centered Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Qualitative Study
Older adults with chronic pain vary in their willingness to be involved in their treatment decisions. Many frequently participate in decisions about their pain treatment by asking for or refusing specific treatments, demanding quality care, or operating outside of the patient-provider relationship to manage pain on their own. However, others prefer to let their provider make the decisions. In either case, having a mutually respectful patient-provider relationship is important to this population.
2009
Journal Article
Pain Interference Impacts Response to Treatment for Anxiety Disorders
A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial for anxiety treatment in primary care. Participants with panic disorder (PD) and/or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) were randomized to either their primary-care physician's usual care or a 12-month course of telephone-based collaborative care.
2009

Multimedia

1:52

Wait Times for Veterans Scheduling Health Care Appointments
Sep 21, 2022
54:46

A Conversation with VA Secretary McDonough on the Department's Recommendations to the Asset and Infrastructure Review Commission
Mar 14, 2022
32:43

RAND Remote: Launching the RAND Epstein Family Veterans Policy Research Institute
Dec 1, 2021
1:27

Benefits and Applications of a Standardized Definition of High-Quality Care
Dec 17, 2020
2:54

In Brief: Carrie M. Farmer on Meeting the Health Care Needs of America's Veterans
Feb 18, 2016
23:37

Meeting the Health Care Needs of America's Veterans
Feb 16, 2016