Whole Health: A Personalized Approach to Veteran Care

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Whole Health Program represents a transformative shift in how health care is delivered to Veterans. Moving beyond merely treating symptoms, this approach emphasizes a comprehensive, person-centric model that focuses on what truly matters to each individual. By prioritizing personal values, needs, and goals, Whole Health aims to empower Veterans to take charge of their well-being.

What is the VA’s Whole Health program?

The Whole Health Program puts Veterans at the center of their care. Unlike traditional healthcare models that often focus on specific conditions, Whole Health looks at the entire person — body, mind, and spirit. According to the VA: “Whole Health centers around what matters to you, not what is the matter with you.”

The Whole Health approach encourages Veterans to reflect on what is most important to them and to work with their healthcare team to create a personalized plan that supports their overall well-being.

Core components of the Whole Health program

The VA’s Whole Health approach redefines how Veterans receive care, focusing on the whole person rather than just symptoms. The model is built on the understanding that true health encompasses more than just physical well-being; it also includes emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects. By combining professional health care, self-care practices, and involvement in their community, Whole Health empowers Veterans to take charge of their health journey, aligning care with their personal values and life goals.

• Professional health care: Veterans work with their healthcare team to develop a personal health plan that aligns with their unique goals and values. The plan becomes a roadmap for their healthcare journey, helping them to navigate the complexities of their health with a clear focus on what is most meaningful to them.
• Self-care: Whole Health encourages Veterans to engage in self-care practices that promote wellness. Research has shown that taking care of ourselves by moving and nourishing our bodies, getting plenty of rest, pursuing personal development, and more, has a profound effect on our overall health. The Whole Health program encourages Veterans to engage in these types of activities in conjunction with getting the necessary medical care in order to live their best lives.
• Involvement in their community: Recognizing that social connections impact health, the Whole Health Program encourages Veterans to actively participate in their communities. Whether at their chosen place of worship, a local non-profit, or through work, involvement in the community encourages better health.

Benefits of Whole Health for Veterans

The VA’s Whole Health program offers a transformative approach to Veteran care, focusing on personalized, proactive, and patient-driven care. Whole Health empowers Veterans to take control of their well-being, addressing the physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental aspects of their lives.

A key benefit of the Whole Health program is its focus on self-care and preventive strategies. Veterans are encouraged to explore what matters most to them, setting personal health goals that align with their life values. This personalized approach helps Veterans become active participants in their health journey, leading to improved outcomes and greater satisfaction with their care.

The program also fosters a strong sense of community and support. Veterans can connect with peers through group sessions, sharing experiences and learning from each other. The peer support network plays a crucial role in reducing feelings of isolation, a common challenge faced by many Veterans.

Whole Health integrates complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, yoga, and meditation, alongside conventional medical treatments. These therapies address chronic pain, anxiety, and PTSD, offering Veterans a broader range of tools to manage their health. The holistic nature of Whole Health ensures that care is comprehensive, addressing root causes of health issues rather than just symptoms.

Research has found that Whole Health programs are having a profound, and positive, effect. Veterans engaged in these programs had a 38% reduction in opioid use, reported an improved ability to handle stress, and reduced the costs of their mental health care.

How to get started using this approach

Healthcare organizations aiming to adopt the VA’s Whole Health approach can begin by focusing on personalized, proactive, and patient-centered care that addresses the full spectrum of a patient’s health, including physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Start by assessing current care practices to identify where you can integrate Whole Health principles. It may involve reevaluating patient intake processes to include more comprehensive discussions about a patient’s life goals, values, and overall wellness. Understanding what matters most to patients allows providers to create personalized care plans that align with individual needs.

Training and education play a crucial role in implementing the Whole Health approach to care. Healthcare professionals need knowledge and skills to engage patients in meaningful conversations about their health goals. Offering training in these techniques can help staff become more comfortable and competent in delivering this type of care.

Finally, creating a supportive environment that encourages collaboration among healthcare providers, patients, and their families is essential. Regular feedback sessions help refine the Whole Health approach, ensuring that it meets the needs of both patients and providers.