Description
Book SynopsisU.S. military conflicts abroad have left nine million Americans dependent on the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) for medical care. Their wounds of war are treated by the largest hospital system in the countryone that has come under fire from critics in the White House, on Capitol Hill, and in the nation''s media.
In Wounds of War, Suzanne Gordon draws on five years of observational research to describe how the VHA does a better job than private sector institutions offering primary and geriatric care, mental health and home care services, and support for patients nearing the end of life. In the unusual culture of solidarity between patients and providers that the VHA has fostered, Gordon finds a working model for higher-quality health care and a much-needed alternative to the practice of for-profit medicine.
Trade ReviewImportant and timely.
* BeyondChron *
A terrific book, and I would recommend that every veteran depending upon the VA for his or her healthcare buy it.
* The Veteran *
Important and timely.
* CounterPunch *
This book offers a unique approach to an important topic and is an essential addition for institutions with programs in medicine and other health-affiliated fields (health administration, social work, etc.), public policy and administration, political science, or for any public library serving veteran and/or military populations.
* Choice *
For better or worse, the course of VA health care now depends on a citizenry and health policy community that possesses little firsthand experience with its services or achievements. Wounds of War is a tremendous starting point for those interested in understanding the importance of getting these decisions right.
* Washington Monthly *
A compelling account of the many strengths of the Veterans Healthcare System.... Gordon documents these strengths with informative statistics as well as compelling narratives of innovative programs, commendable teamwork and exemplary clinical providers.... A valued view of a system which, even with its flaws, still has remarkable strengths to offer soldiers when their service to our nation is completed.
* The Pharos *
Wounds of War is a valuable resource for veterans' rights advocates as well as everyone concerned with the struggle for Medicare for all.
* Against the Current *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments
List of Abbreviations
Introduction: What Kind of Care for Veterans?
1. Promises Broken and Kept: A Short History of the VHA
2. Those Who Have Borne the Battle: The VHA's Patient Population
Profile—What It Means to Be a VA Volunteer
3. Primary Care the Way It Should Be
4. Healing Minds and Bodies: Integrated Mental Health Care and Primary Care
5. Dealing with a World of Hurt: VHA Treatment of Chronic Pain
6. When Wounded Warriors Are Women: Caring for Female Veterans
7. Mental Health the Way It Should Be
8. Unpacking PTSD: From Diagnosis to Effective Treatment
Profi le—Karen Parko: A Special Kind of Professional Development at the VA
9. Returning to Civilian Life: Veterans on Campus
10. Suicide Prevention: VHA Programs That Save Lives
11. Overcoming Disability: VA Rehabilitation Services
Profile—Mark Smith: No Ordinary Bike Shop
12. Transcending Trauma: The Martinez Cognitive Rehabilitation Program
13. Off the Streets: Reducing Veteran Homelessness
14. Alternatives to Jail: Veterans' Justice Programs
Profile—Cops and Vets: The Memphis Crisis Intervention Model
15. Specializing in Elder Care: The VA and Geriatrics
16. Knocking on Heaven's Door: The VA and End-of-Life Care
17. Better Care Where? The VHA Compared to the Private Sector
Conclusion: A System Worth Saving—and Making Even Better
Epilogue: Thank You for Your Service?
Notes
Index
About the Author
