Abstract
We examined perceptions of services and benefits held by former U.S. prisoners of war (POWs) and their spouses using qualitative research methods. Subjects were male ex-POWs (n = 16) and their spouses (n = 9) recruited through a national POW organization to participate in focus groups designed to learn about perceptions of care within the Veterans Affairs (VA) system. Questions pertained to ways in which participants were satisfied and dissatisfied with VA health services and benefits, current needs for which services or benefits are unavailable, and barriers to care and benefits. Qualitative analyses revealed that veterans generally rely on the VA for medical care and financial benefits and are typically satisfied with the quality of care and benefits they receive. However, four broad categories of concern were noted: Perceptionsregarding staff; Availabilityof needed services; Accessto services; and Inconsistencyin care. These results point towards areas for potential VA quality improvements efforts.