Perception of Ridesharing Among Veterans With Cardiovascular Diseases in the Era of the MISSION Act

Abstract

The Maintaining Internal Systems and Strengthening Integrated Outside Networks (MISSION) Act of 2018 expanded veteran’s access to community care leading to increased utilization of non-Veterans Affairs (VA) care and prompting concerns about the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of this care model for the VA. This study seeks to explore veterans’ attitudes toward ridesharing services as a means of accessing VA-based cardiovascular care. This cross-sectional, quality improvement study utilized a 7-question survey administered to patients in an urban VA Heart Center to assess transportation preferences and opinions on ridesharing. Participants were more likely to support ridesharing if they held a positive opinion of rideshare (P = 0.024), felt safe utilizing rideshare (P = 0.025), or were undergoing invasive procedures (P = 0.007). Distance traveled did not influence support of ridesharing (P = 0.617). In conclusion, investing in ridesharing for veterans may provide a cost-effective means to improve VA access and continuity of care regardless of distance.