Leading from the Middle: Replication of a Re-Engagement Program for Veterans with Mental Disorders Lost to Follow-Up Care

Table 4

Recommended strategies to contact Veterans or verify Veteran status.

Utilize internal sources of data to locate updated contact information
(1) Existing notes related to social work interventions often contain current contact information
(2) Psychological assessments regularly contain updated patient contact information
(3) Most recent discharge planning may contain current contact information
(4) Recent treatment notes often contain current contact information that has not been updated in patients’ overall information
Utilize external data sources to locate patients
(1) Review local newspaper databases for patient information (e.g., obituaries, marriages notices, etc.) that are not always reflected in patient charts and cross reference; with telephone books
(2) Access state and local websites for the status of incarcerated veterans
(3) Telephone-based information services (e.g., 411) can provide patients’ last known phone number
Carefully track efforts aimed at contacting patients
(1) Maintain a running log of attempts to re-engage patients, including dates and methods of outreach
(2) Utilize certified mail as a way to verify if the patient received the letter (and verification of address)