Americans support VA research for better Veteran care and medical advancements

A new Ipsos/NAVREF poll examines public perceptions of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) research efforts and their importance in providing quality healthcare to veterans. The findings reveal strong support for VA research among both Americans and Veterans, with a significant majority believing research is vital for improving healthcare treatments and practices at the VA. There is widespread agreement that VA leaders should prioritize healthcare quality over cost savings.

Despite low awareness of specific VA medical achievements, there is robust support for maintaining or strengthening VA research efforts. The data paints a clear picture: Americans, and especially Veterans, see VA research as a vital component of the organization's mission, one that deserves continued support and investment for the benefit of veterans and the Americans alike. These findings suggest strong backing for continued investment in VA research initiatives, despite the need for better public awareness of the VA's specific achievements.

Detailed findings

1. Americans, especially Veterans, believe research is crucial for the VA’s mission to provide quality healthcare

• The importance of research in the VA's mission is widely recognized, with 85% of Americans and 91% of Veterans believing it's vital for VA doctors and staff to conduct research for better healthcare treatments and practices.
• This sentiment extends to the belief that Veterans should have access to cutting-edge medical research and novel treatments, supported by the majority of the public (86%) and Veterans (92%).
• The unique needs of Veterans are acknowledged, as 87% of Americans and a striking 96% of Veterans consider it important for Veterans to have access to medical treatments specifically developed for their military experiences and injuries.
• Ultimately, 61% of the public and 73% of veterans believe that VA research is crucial for providing high-quality care to those who have served.

2. Americans and Veterans agree that VA leaders should prioritize healthcare quality over cost savings

• There is a clear consensus on VA’s priorities: 71% of Americans and 86% of Veterans believe VA leaders should focus on ensuring Veterans receive the highest quality healthcare.
• In contrast, only a very small minority - 6% of the Americans and 4% of Veterans - think saving taxpayer money should be the primary focus.
• Notably, Americans across political parties prioritize healthcare quality over cost savings for the VA. 71% of Republicans, 76% of Democrats, and 71% of Independents agree that VA leaders should focus on ensuring Veterans receive the highest quality healthcare. In contrast, only 8% of Republicans, 5% of Democrats, and 6% of Independents believe that VA leaders should prioritize finding opportunities to save taxpayers money.
• Moreover, the benefits of VA research are seen as far-reaching, with 76% believing that it creates treatments that improve lives for everybody, not just Veterans

3. Despite low awareness of specific medical achievements, there is strong support to strengthen or least maintain VA research efforts

• A substantial 70% of Americans and 83% of veterans believe efforts to fund and facilitate VA medical and health research should be strengthened or maintained at their current levels.
• Support for maintaining or strengthening VA research efforts remains strong across party lines, with 67% of Republicans, 78% of Democrats, and 70% of Independents in favor of either increasing or maintaining funding at current levels.
• This support aligns with the widespread belief (held by 76% of Americans and 79% of Veterans) that funding and facilitating medical research to benefit veterans and improve healthcare for all Americans is a core responsibility of the VA.
• Only 1 in 4 (25%) and 1 in 3 Veterans (30%) correctly identified that VA researchers publish a significant amount of medical and health research. Even fewer were aware of the VA’s extensive role in training healthcare providers, with only 12% of Americans and 16% of Veterans correctly identifying that the VA trains over 70% of U.S. healthcare providers.

For more information on this news release, please contact: Suzy Shirley, VP Health Research at Ipsos, [email protected], 202-294-1915