Exploring health care experiences of military-connected parents of children with mental, emotional, developmental, and behavioral health care needs

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Military families face unique stressors, including prolonged separations due to deployments, frequent relocations, and parental injury that can contribute to increased rates of mental, emotional, behavioral, and developmental (MEBD) health concerns among military-connected youth. Although military children have access to universal health insurance coverage through TRICARE and access to primary care at military treatment facilities (MTFs) or through civilian network providers, military-connected children and adolescents face challenges accessing behavioral and developmental health care services. This study examines the experiences of military-connected parents navigating health care for their children with MEDB health care needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study utilized a qualitative research design with focus groups. Recruitment occurred via partners from the DOD Child Collaboratory, through email, flyers, and social media. Virtual focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed. Data analysis followed an inductive coding approach. The Institutional Review Board at the Uniformed Services University approved this study. RESULTS: Six, 1-hour virtual focus groups were completed with 18 participants. Four themes emerged as relevant to the experiences of participants (1) Military Life Circumstances: shape every step of military-connected children's MEDB health care journeys, (2) Barriers to Accessing MEDB Health Care: structural/systemic barriers and relational/perceptual barriers present challenges to accessing quality care, (3) The Diagnostic Journey: logistical pressures of military life and health care availability can delay diagnosis, (4) Facilitators to MEDB Care: the utility of formal military supports and providers with military cultural competence can improve MEDB health care access and quality. CONCLUSIONS: Our data underscores the multifaceted journey of military families navigating MEDB health care and highlights the coexistence of dual concepts of readiness in military culture, ideal and real. These findings highlight opportunities to improve care coordination, streamline transitions, and enhance collaboration among support systems for military families managing MEDB health care needs. Addressing access to care challenges is critical to upholding the health of military children and families and achieving ideal readiness of the U.S. Military.