Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Provider Perceptions of Confidence Following a Wheelchair/Adaptive Tai Chi Chuan Training

Abstract

The changing needs of our nation’s military veterans call for a change in the healthcare system delivery models providing their primary sources of care. The VA Healthcare System has incorporated a whole health movement emphasizing individualized approaches to healthcare by encouraging complementary and integrative programs. Wheelchair/Adaptive Tai Chi Chuan (W/A/TCC) is such program offering a transformative opportunity to programmatically enhance veteran healthcare services by enhancing the training of VA healthcare providers. This article explores the impacts of a 7-posture W/A TCC instructional training program for healthcare providers that has been facilitated throughout the VA healthcare system since 2016. The purpose is to better understand the impact this training has on healthcare providers, including Recreational Therapists (RTs). A mixed-methods design exploring participant perspectives showed increased confidence levels following training in several key areas and no statistically significant differences between RTs compared to all other healthcare providers. Meaningful impacts described by participants are explored. Overall discussion focuses on this specific training program’s unique applicability for directly influencing VA healthcare providers and the veterans being served. Overall results offer support for wheelchair/adaptive tai chi chuan training as one strategy that can be utilized to increase the success of holistic veteran healthcare.