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Shepherd-Banigan M, Shapiro A, Stechuchak KM, Sheahan KL, Ackland PE, Smith VA, Bokhour BG, Glynn SM, Calhoun PS, Edelman D, Weidenbacher HJ, Eldridge MR, Van Houtven CH. Exploring the importance of predisposing, enabling, and need factors for promoting Veteran engagement in mental health therapy for post-traumatic stress: a multiple methods study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:372. [PMID: 37237261 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04840-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study explored Veteran and family member perspectives on factors that drive post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) therapy engagement within constructs of the Andersen model of behavioral health service utilization. Despite efforts by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to increase mental health care access, the proportion of Veterans with PTSD who engage in PTSD therapy remains low. Support for therapy from family members and friends could improve Veteran therapy use. METHODS We applied a multiple methods approach using data from VA administrative data and semi-structured individual interviews with Veterans and their support partners who applied to the VA Caregiver Support Program. We integrated findings from a machine learning analysis of quantitative data with findings from a qualitative analysis of the semi-structured interviews. RESULTS In quantitative models, Veteran medical need for health care use most influenced treatment initiation and retention. However, qualitative data suggested mental health symptoms combined with positive Veteran and support partner treatment attitudes motivated treatment engagement. Veterans indicated their motivation to seek treatment increased when family members perceived treatment to be of high value. Veterans who experienced poor continuity of VA care, group, and virtual treatment modalities expressed less care satisfaction. Prior marital therapy use emerged as a potentially new facilitator of PTSD treatment engagement that warrants more exploration. CONCLUSIONS Our multiple methods findings represent Veteran and support partner perspectives and show that amid Veteran and organizational barriers to care, attitudes and support of family members and friends still matter. Family-oriented services and intervention could be a gateway to increase Veteran PTSD therapy engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Shepherd-Banigan
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Box 90120, 100 Fuqua Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Abigail Shapiro
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA.
| | | | - Kate L Sheahan
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Princess E Ackland
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, One Veterans Drive, Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Valerie A Smith
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, 200 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - Barbara G Bokhour
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, 200 Springs Road (152), Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, The Albert Sherman Center, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Shirley M Glynn
- UCLA Semel Institute of Neuroscience and Human Behavior, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System at West Los Angeles, B151 11301 Whiltshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90073, USA
| | - Patrick S Calhoun
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 905 West Main Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | - David Edelman
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, 200 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
| | | | | | - Courtney H Van Houtven
- Durham VA Health Care System, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, 215 Morris Street, Durham, NC, 27701, USA
- Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy, Box 90120, 100 Fuqua Drive, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
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Alpert E, Hayes AM, Barnes JB, Sloan D. Using Client Narratives to Identify Predictors of Outcome in Written Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy. Behav Ther 2023; 54:185-199. [PMID: 36858753 PMCID: PMC9991074 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Written exposure therapy (WET) is a brief, five-session treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that aims to improve access to care. WET has been demonstrated to be an efficacious PTSD treatment with lower rates of dropout and noninferior PTSD symptom outcome compared to cognitive processing therapy (CPT), a 12-session, gold-standard treatment. To identify predictors of treatment outcome in both WET and CPT, the current study examined the content of participants' written narratives. Participants were 123 adults with PTSD who were randomly assigned to receive WET (n = 61) or CPT (n = 62). The Change and Growth Experiences Scale (CHANGE) coding system was used to code all available narratives in both treatment conditions for variables hypothesized to be relevant to therapeutic change. Linear regression analyses revealed that in WET, higher average levels of accommodated (healthy, balanced) beliefs and an increase in accommodated beliefs from the first to the final impact statement predicted better PTSD symptom outcome at 12 weeks postrandomization. In CPT, higher average levels of overgeneralized and accommodated beliefs and lower levels of avoidance expressed in the narratives predicted better PTSD outcome. There were no significant predictors of outcome in analyses of change from the first to final impact statement in CPT. These findings add to research identifying predictors of change in WET and CPT by highlighting the importance of low avoidance in CPT and of trauma-related cognitions in both CPT and WET, even though WET is a brief written intervention that does not explicitly target cognitive change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Alpert
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Adele M. Hayes
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - J. Ben Barnes
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Denise Sloan
- National Center for PTSD Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Wiltsey Stirman S, La Bash H, Nelson D, Orazem R, Klein A, Sayer NA. Assessment of modifications to evidence-based psychotherapies using administrative and chart note data from the US department of veterans affairs health care system. Front Public Health 2022; 10:984505. [PMID: 36457312 PMCID: PMC9705357 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.984505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has over 15 years of experience in delivery of evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs). This paper describes strategies for using clinical documentation and administrative data to understand adherence and modifications to EBPs for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Methods This study focused on two EBPs for PTSD, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE). The sample included VA therapists from across the US who provided CPT and PE and the patients they treated over a 1-year period. The data sources for this study were templated EBP chart notes and VA administrative data. We used a manual review of note content and administrative data rules to code therapy adherence and modifications in 7,297 EBP sessions for 1,257 patients seen by 182 therapists. Two trained coders rated each therapy note and resolved discrepancies through consensus. To contextualize and explain variation in adherence and modifications, we conducted brief 30-45-min semi-structured interviews with a purposive subsample of these therapists (n = 32). Findings Combining manual chart review and administrative data allowed for identification of 11 types of modifications. Raters disagreed on adherence for 30% of notes. The disagreement stemmed from the presence of therapy modifications that were not clearly documented, necessitating the development of decision rules and strategies for modification coding. Both therapists and patients contributed to the variance in the extent to which different modifications occurred. Therapist interviews demonstrated therapist awareness of modifying the protocols in the ways identified through chart review. Conclusion Healthcare systems can use data collected as part of routine care to understand how and when EBPs are modified but need to develop scalable strategies to document adaptations and modifications to EBPs in routine care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Wiltsey Stirman
- National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Menlo Park, CA, United States,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Shannon Wiltsey Stirman
| | - Heidi La Bash
- National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - David Nelson
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Robert Orazem
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Abigail Klein
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Nina A. Sayer
- Center for Care Delivery and Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, United States,Department of Medicine and Psychiatry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Keefe JR, Hernandez S, Johanek C, Landy MSH, Sijercic I, Shnaider P, Wagner AC, Lane JEM, Monson CM, Stirman SW. Competence in Delivering Cognitive Processing Therapy and the Therapeutic Alliance Both Predict PTSD Symptom Outcomes. Behav Ther 2022; 53:763-775. [PMID: 35987537 DOI: 10.1016/j.beth.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is efficacious in treating PTSD, but there remains a need to improve outcomes for individuals who do not fully respond to treatment. Differences between patient-therapist dyads in the fidelity (i.e., adherence and competence) of CPT delivery and the quality of the therapeutic relationship may partly explain differential levels of symptom improvement. Sessions were sampled from a randomized trial comparing different consultation conditions in training therapists new to CPT. Among 69 patients, one session from Sessions 1-3 and one session from Sessions 4-7 were reliably rated for adherence and competence using the CPT Therapist Adherence and Competence Scale, and for therapeutic alliance using the Working Alliance Inventory-Observer scale. Mixed models, including detrending using a fixed effect of session, predicted self-reported Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist (PCL-IV) scores in one session using process scores from the previous session. The statistical interaction between fidelity and alliance scores to predict outcome was also examined. Alliance had significant, positive correlations (rs = 0.18-0.21) with same-session adherence and competence. Higher competence scores and higher therapeutic alliance scores in one session were independently associated with lower PCL-IV scores in the subsequent session. Adherence scores, which tended to be very high with relatively less variability, did not significantly relate to subsequent-session PCL-IV scores. Competence significantly interacted with alliance, such that sessions high in both competence and alliance predicted especially lower subsequent-session PCL-IV scores. A strong therapeutic alliance may have a synergistic, salutary effect with the competent delivery of CPT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jeanine E M Lane
- Ryerson University, Toronto; Ontario Shores Center for Mental Health Sciences, Whitby, Ontario
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Liu JJW, Nazarov A, Easterbrook B, Plouffe RA, Le T, Forchuk C, Brandwood A, St Cyr K, Auger E, Balderson K, Bilodeau M, Burhan AM, Enns MW, Smith P, Hosseiny F, Dupuis G, Roth M, Mota N, Lavoie V, Richardson JD. Four Decades of Military Posttraumatic Stress: Protocol for a Meta-analysis and Systematic Review of Treatment Approaches and Efficacy. JMIR Res Protoc 2021; 10:e33151. [PMID: 34694228 PMCID: PMC8576591 DOI: 10.2196/33151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over 85% of active members of the Canadian Armed Forces have been exposed to potentially traumatic events linked to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At the time of transition to civilian life, as high as 1 in 8 veterans may be diagnosed with PTSD. Given the high prevalence of PTSD in military and veteran populations, the provision of effective treatment considering their unique challenges and experiences is critical for mental health support and the well-being of these populations. OBJECTIVE This paper presents the protocol for a meta-analysis and systematic review that will examine the effectiveness of treatment approaches for military-related PTSD. METHODS This PROSPERO-preregistered meta-analysis is being conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and Cochrane guidelines. A comprehensive search of the literature was conducted using the databases PsycInfo, Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses. Effect sizes will be computed based on changes in PTSD symptom scores over time across studies using validated PTSD scales. A multilevel meta-analysis will examine the overall effects, between-study effects, and within-study effects of available evidence for PTSD treatments in military populations. Effect sizes will be compared between pharmacotherapeutic, psychotherapeutic, and alternative/emerging treatment interventions. Finally, meta-regression and subgroup analyses will explore the moderating roles of clinical characteristics (eg, PTSD symptom clusters), treatment approaches (eg, therapeutic orientations in psychotherapy and alternative therapies and classifications of drugs in pharmacotherapy), as well as treatment characteristics (eg, length of intervention) on treatment outcomes. RESULTS The literature search was completed on April 14, 2021. After the removal of duplicates, a total of 12,002 studies were screened for inclusion. As of July 2021, title and abstract screening has been completed, with 1469 out of 12,002 (12.23%) studies included for full-text review. Full review is expected to be completed in the summer of 2021, with initial results expected for publication by early winter of 2021. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis will provide information on the current state of evidence on the efficacy and effectiveness of various treatment approaches for military-related PTSD and identify factors that may influence treatment outcomes. The results will inform clinical decision-making for service providers and service users. Finally, the findings will provide insights into future treatment development and practice recommendations to better support the well-being of military and veteran populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42021245754; https://tinyurl.com/y9u57c59. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/33151.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny J W Liu
- The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Anthony Nazarov
- The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Bethany Easterbrook
- The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Rachel A Plouffe
- The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Tri Le
- The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Callista Forchuk
- The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Alec Brandwood
- The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kate St Cyr
- The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Edouard Auger
- Clinique pour traumatismes liés au stress opérationnel, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Ken Balderson
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- St. Joseph's Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mathieu Bilodeau
- Clinique pour traumatismes liés au stress opérationnel, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - Amer M Burhan
- Ontario Shores Centre of Mental Health Sciences, Whitby, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Murray W Enns
- Department of Psychiatry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Winnipeg Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Winnipeg, ON, Canada
| | - Patrick Smith
- Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Related Mental Health Conditions, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Fardous Hosseiny
- Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Related Mental Health Conditions, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Dupuis
- Centre of Excellence on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Related Mental Health Conditions, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Maya Roth
- St. Joseph's Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Yeates School of Graduate Studies, Ryerson University, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Natalie Mota
- Department of Clinical Health Psychology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, ON, Canada
| | - Vicky Lavoie
- Clinique pour traumatismes liés au stress opérationnel, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale, Quebec, QC, Canada
| | - J Don Richardson
- The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada
- St. Joseph's Operational Stress Injury Clinic, London, ON, Canada
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