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Rattray NA, Flanagan M, Mann A, Danson L, Do AN, Natividad D, Spontak K, True G. Conceptualizing care partners' burden, stress, and support for reintegrating Veterans: a mixed methods study. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1295627. [PMID: 38440161 PMCID: PMC10910616 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1295627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background People who support Veterans as they transition from their military service into civilian life may be at an increased risk of psychological distress. Existing studies focus primarily on paid family caregivers, but few studies include spouses and informal non-family "care partners." We sought to identify key challenges faced by care partners of Veterans with invisible injuries. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 36 individuals involved in supporting a recently separated US military Veteran enrolled in a 2-year longitudinal study. CPs completed validated measures on perceived stress, caregiving burden, quality of their relationship, life satisfaction, and flourishing. Independent t-tests were used to compare cases in these groups on caregiving burden, quality of their relationship, life satisfaction, and flourishing. Care partners were categorized as reporting high and low levels of stress. Exemplar cases were used to demonstrate divergences in the experiences of CPs with different levels of stress over time. Results Care partners reported shifts in self-perception that occurred from supporting a Veteran, emphasizing how they helped Veterans navigate health systems and the processes of disclosing health and personal information in civilian contexts. Exemplar cases with high and low burdens demonstrated divergent experiences in self-perception, managing multi-faceted strain, and coping with stress over time. Case studies of specific care partners illustrate how multi-faceted strain shifted over time and is affected by additional burdens from childcare, financial responsibilities, or lack of education on mental health issues. Conclusions Findings suggest the unique needs of individuals who support military Veterans with invisible injuries, highlighting variations and diachronic elements of caregiving. This sample is younger than the typical caregiver sample with implications for how best to support unpaid care partners caring for Veterans in the early to mid-period of their use of VA and civilian health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Rattray
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Indiana School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Mindy Flanagan
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Allison Mann
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Psychological Services, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Leah Danson
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Psychological Services, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Ai-Nghia Do
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Diana Natividad
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Katrina Spontak
- VA Health Services Research and Development Center for Health Information and Communication, Roudebush Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Department of Psychological Services, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Gala True
- South Central Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, New Orleans, LA, United States
- Section of Community and Population Medicine, Louisiana State University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Kornblith E, Schweizer S, Abrams G, Gardner R, Barnes D, Yaffe K, Novakovic-Agopian T. Telehealth delivery of group-format cognitive rehabilitation to older veterans with TBI: a mixed-methods pilot study. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. ADULT 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37044120 DOI: 10.1080/23279095.2023.2199160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common among Veterans and may interact with aging, increasing risk for negative cognitive, emotional, and functional outcomes. However, no accessible (i.e., in-home) group interventions for TBI targeted to older adults exist. Goal Oriented Attentional Self-Regulation (GOALS) is a manualized, group cognitive rehabilitation training that improves executive function and emotional regulation among Veterans with TBI and healthy older adults. Our objectives were to adapt GOALS for delivery to older Veterans via in-home video telehealth (IVT) and evaluate feasibility and participant-rated acceptability of the telehealth GOALS intervention (TeleGOALS). Six Veterans 69+, with multiple TBIs completed the 10-session intervention in groups of 2. One participant withdrew, and another completed the remaining sessions alone (total n enrolled = 8). Required adaptations were noted; questionnaire responses were quantified; and feedback was analyzed and coded to identify themes. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to examine feasibility (i.e., recruitment and retention) and participant-rated acceptability. Minimal adaptations were required for IVT delivery. Key themes emerged: (a) the importance of telehealth logistics, (b) facilitators' roles in prioritizing interpersonal connection, and (c) telehealth's capability to create opportunities for community reintegration. Thematic saturation (the point at which feedback from respondents is consistent and no further adaptations are required) was achieved. Participants stated they would likely recommend TeleGOALS to other Veterans. Although further study with a larger, more diverse sample is required, the adapted TeleGOALS intervention appears highly feasible and acceptable for older Veterans with TBI able and willing to participate in a group-format IVT intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica Kornblith
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sara Schweizer
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gary Abrams
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Raquel Gardner
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Deborah Barnes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Neurology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, UCSF, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Tatjana Novakovic-Agopian
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), San Francisco, CA, USA
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Psychoeducation as Precision Health in Military-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 103:1222-1232. [PMID: 34516996 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of Service Members and Veterans (SMVs) experience at least 1 mild traumatic brain injury during military activities (mil-mTBI), which can result in enduring cognitive symptoms. Although multiple cognitive rehabilitation (CR) interventions have been developed for this population, patient psychoeducation focusing on biopsychosocial relationships and health behaviors is often cited as the first line of defense for mil-mTBI sequelae. However, theoretical and conceptual foundations of these psychoeducational techniques are not well articulated. This raises questions about the potency of attempts to boost health literacy in affected SMVs, who represent a highly heterogeneous patient population within a special cultural milieu. To elucidate the significance of this problem and identify opportunities for improvement, we view the psychoeducation of SMVs through the lens of educational principles described in serious mental illness, where "psychoeducation" was first formally defined, as well as contextual and phenomenological aspects of mil-mTBI that may complicate treatment efforts. To advance psychoeducation research and practice in mil-mTBI, we discuss how treatment theory, which seeks to link active treatment ingredients with specific therapeutic targets, and an associated conceptual framework for medical rehabilitation-the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System-can be leveraged to personalize educational content, integrate it into multicomponent CR interventions, and evaluate its effectiveness.
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Richard P, Patel N, Gedeon D, Hyppolite R, Younis M. Common Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury and Work Functioning of Active-Duty Service Members with a History of Deployment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18158079. [PMID: 34360372 PMCID: PMC8345698 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18158079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study used data from the Military Health System Data Repository to examine the association between mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) and work functioning such as work duty limitations, hospital emergency room visits and inpatient admissions for active-duty service members (ADSMs). Further, this study assessed the role that common symptoms of mTBI play in work functioning. Multivariate results showed that having a mTBI diagnosis is not a major factor that results in being "released with work duty limitations". However, findings from these regression models also showed that the interaction of mTBI with cognitive and linguistic symptoms resulted in odds of 3.63 (CI: 1.40-9.36, p < 0.01) for being "released with work duty limitations" and odds of 4.98 (CI: 1.16-21.39, p < 0.05) for having any emergency department visits compared to those with no diagnosis of mTBI and none of these symptoms. Additionally, the interaction of mTBI with sleep disturbance and chronic pain showed odds of 2.72 (CI: 1.31-5.65, p < 0.01) and odds of 11.56 (CI: 2.65-50.44, p < 0.01) for being "released with work duty limitations" compared to those with no diagnosis of TBI and none of these symptoms, respectively. Further research is needed to investigate the association between mTBI and duration of time off work to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effect of mTBI on work functioning in the Military Health System.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Richard
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biostatistics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-301-295-9770
| | - Nilam Patel
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (N.P.); (D.G.); (R.H.)
| | - Daniel Gedeon
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (N.P.); (D.G.); (R.H.)
| | - Regine Hyppolite
- The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (N.P.); (D.G.); (R.H.)
| | - Mustafa Younis
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS 39217, USA;
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Shepherd-Banigan M, Pogoda TK, McKenna K, Sperber N, Van Houtven CH. Experiences of VA vocational and education training and assistance services: Facilitators and barriers reported by veterans with disabilities. Psychiatr Rehabil J 2021; 44:148-156. [PMID: 32597666 PMCID: PMC9677616 DOI: 10.1037/prj0000437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the experiences of veterans with disabilities and caregiving needs who use Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) vocational and education services, including Supported Employment, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, and Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. METHOD We conducted 26 joint semistructured interviews with post-9/11 veterans who had used at least one of three vocational and education services, and their family members who were enrolled in a VA Caregiver Support Program. RESULTS VA vocational and education services helped veterans with disabilities transition from the military into civilian life by providing skills and incremental exposure to engaging in everyday life tasks. Veteran motivation, caregiver support, and engaged staff at VA and academic institutions were key drivers of veteran success. Veterans who experienced challenges cited the following barriers: health problems, concerns about benefits loss if they became employed, and VA and academic programs that did not accommodate the needs of nontraditional veteran learners. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE There is a need to bolster VA vocational and educational services for veterans with disabilities in several domains, including modifying the roles of frontline staff and increasing communication between vocational counselors and health care teams to better accommodate the veteran's health-related limitations. Providing a vocational rehabilitation navigator to help veterans identify opportunities within VA and work/educational settings that are a good match for the veteran's goals and abilities could also be beneficial across vocational and educational services. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Shepherd-Banigan
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation(ADAPT),VA Durham Healthcare System
| | - Terri K Pogoda
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System
| | - Kevin McKenna
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke School of Medicine
| | - Nina Sperber
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation(ADAPT),VA Durham Healthcare System
| | - Courtney H Van Houtven
- Durham Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development (HSR&D), Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation(ADAPT),VA Durham Healthcare System
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Oyesanya TO, Harris G, Yang Q, Byom L, Cary MP, Zhao AT, Bettger JP. Inpatient rehabilitation facility discharge destination among younger adults with traumatic brain injury: differences by race and ethnicity. Brain Inj 2021; 35:661-674. [PMID: 33779428 PMCID: PMC8122065 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2021.1895317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE : To determine the association of race and ethnicity with discharge destination among patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) receiving inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) care. DESIGN Secondary analysis using Uniform Data System for Medical Rehabilitation data. METHODS : Patients (N = 99,614) diagnosed with TBI, age 18-64, admitted for IRF care between 2002 and 2018. Logistic regression was used to analyze data. OUTCOME : Discharge destination (home/community vs. subacute settings). RESULTS : Most younger adults (age 18-64) with TBI were discharged home (89.24%) after IRF care vs. subacute (10.76%). Of those discharged home, 63.16% were white, 10.42% Black, 8.94% Hispanic/Latino, and 6.72% other races/ethnicities. After adjusting for covariates, patients who were Hispanic/Latino [OR = 1.26; 95% CI: 1.15, 1.37] and other race/ethnicities [OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.21] (vs. White) had higher odds of discharge home vs. subacute. There was no difference in discharge destination for Black patients (vs. white). Predictors of discharge destination for groups stratified by race/ethnicity varied. CONCLUSIONS : Younger patients with TBI who were Hispanic/Latino or other races/ethnicities (vs. white) were more likely to go home vs. subacute. Findings can be used to inform IRF planning, resource allocation, and transitional care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Lindsey Byom
- University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Department of Allied Health Sciences
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Hosting Community Events for Veterans and Planning for Invisible Disabilities. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 102:2275-2277. [PMID: 33648720 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2020.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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O’Donoghue C, Meixner C. A qualitative study of providers’ decision-making for cases involving neurobehavioral issues. COGENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/23311908.2020.1788330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia O’Donoghue
- Communication Sciences and Disorders, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, USA
| | - Cara Meixner
- Graduate Psychology, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, USA
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9
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Vocational Rehabilitation in the Veterans Health Administration Polytrauma System of Care: Current Practices, Unique Challenges, and Future Directions. J Head Trauma Rehabil 2020; 34:158-166. [PMID: 31058758 DOI: 10.1097/htr.0000000000000493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE/PURPOSE Veterans and service members (V/SMs) with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and comorbid conditions are treated in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) Polytrauma System of Care (PSC). These V/SMs comprise a unique population with distinct needs for restoring community reintegration, including participation in meaningful employment. Low employment rates after TBI vary and are influenced by many factors. Employment is a central aspect of the VHA priority of facilitating adjustment, and addressing vocational needs alongside healthcare is critical to community reintegration. The purpose of this article is to outline current practices of addressing vocational rehabilitation in the PSC, discuss the unique challenges in serving Veterans with polytrauma, and outline future directions to improve vocational services and outcomes. METHODS Briefly review literature on V/SM with TBI and employment, describe the PSC and VHA vocational programs for V/SM with polytrauma, and synthesize proceedings on vocational rehabilitation from the 2017 VHA "Community Reintegration in the Polytrauma System of Care" meeting. CONCLUSIONS To advance and expand vocational services the following guidelines were recommended: (1) designing flexible services based on individualized needs, (2) increasing access to vocational services through communication and collaboration, (3) promoting cross-disciplinary education and engagement in vocational care, and (4) systematically tracking employment outcomes.
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Merritt VC, Jurick SM, Crocker LD, Keller AV, Hoffman SN, Jak AJ. Factors associated with employment and work perception in combat-exposed veterans. Rehabil Psychol 2020; 65:279-290. [PMID: 32297778 PMCID: PMC8409174 DOI: 10.1037/rep0000323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was 2-fold: (a) to evaluate whether perception of work ability is associated with employment status in a sample of combat-exposed veterans, and (b) to determine whether the same sets of variables that are associated with employment status are also associated with perception of work ability. Research Method/Design: In this cross-sectional study, veterans (N = 83) underwent a neuropsychological assessment and completed questionnaires assessing demographic characteristics, combat-related experiences, and psychiatric and neurobehavioral/health-related symptoms. Primary outcomes of interest were employment status (unemployed vs. employed) and veterans' perception of whether their ability to work has declined due to an ongoing condition (yes vs. no). RESULTS A chi-square analysis revealed a significant relationship between perception of work ability and employment status. Additionally, psychiatric and neurobehavioral/health-related symptoms were associated with employment status and perception of work ability, whereas demographic characteristics (i.e., service-connected disability rating) and combat-related experiences (i.e., mTBI history) were only associated with perception of work ability. Objective cognitive functioning was not associated with employment status or perception of work ability. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS Although preliminary, results suggest that perception of work ability is an important factor to consider when evaluating employment-related outcomes in veterans. Moreover, results indicate that while there is some overlap among the variables associated with employment status and perception of work ability, additional variables are linked with perception of work ability. Taken together, these findings suggest that perception of one's ability to work and factors that influence it may be particularly important treatment targets in the veteran population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah M. Jurick
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Laura D. Crocker
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Amy J. Jak
- VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS), San Diego, CA, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VASDHS, San Diego, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Melillo C, Downs K, Dillahunt-Aspillaga C, Lind J, Besterman-Dahan K, Hahm B, Antinori N, Elnitsky C, Sander AM, Belanger HG, Toyinbo P, Powell-Cope G. Action Ethnography of Community Reintegration for Veterans and Military Service Members With Traumatic Brain Injury: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2019; 8:e14170. [PMID: 31755868 PMCID: PMC6898887 DOI: 10.2196/14170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous studies of community reintegration (CR) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been conducted in civilian populations, but research is limited in veteran and military service member populations. Little is known about how knowledge from civilian studies translates into veterans' experiences and needs. The US Department of Veterans Health Administration (VHA) recognizes the distinctive health care needs of post-9/11 veteran and military service members, particularly with TBI, including the need to bridge health and rehabilitation-related services from acute care and inpatient settings to veteran and military service members' homes and communities to facilitate CR. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to better understand the experiences of veterans with complicated mild, moderate, or severe TBI; their families; and CR workers as veterans and servicemembers transition to and sustain living in communities. This paper describes the rationale, design, and methods used to reach this goal. METHODS This five-year longitudinal mixed methods study uses both a community-engaged research (CEnR) approach and an ethnographic approach. The sample includes 30 veterans and service members with TBI, 13 family caregivers, 11 CR specialists, 16 key stakeholders, and 82 community events. Interviews and observations are coded and analyzed using hierarchical coding schemes and thematic analysis. Analyses include data from surveys, interviews, and participant observations. Content analysis is used to highlight the complex social context of reintegration and to triangulate quantitative data. Egocentric (personal) social network analysis is used to examine the support system a veteran or service member has in place to facilitate reintegration. RESULTS Study enrollment and data collection are completed. Data analyses are underway. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study may provide a heightened understanding of environmental factors affecting CR in complicated mild, moderate, or severe TBI. Veteran, servicemember and family voices and insights provide VHA clinicians and policy makers with an ecological view of CR that is grounded in the life experiences of veterans, military service members, and families. The results of this study provide a roadmap for designing and testing interventions to maximize CR in a variety of domains. The longitudinal ethnographic approach allows for capturing detailed experiences within the naturalistic context. CEnR allows collaborative assessment of the social context of reintegration with community members. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/14170.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Melillo
- Research and Development Service, James A Haley Veterans' Hospital, Veterans Health Administration, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Kiersten Downs
- Research and Development Service, James A Haley Veterans' Hospital, Veterans Health Administration, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Christina Dillahunt-Aspillaga
- Research and Development Service, James A Haley Veterans' Hospital, Veterans Health Administration, Tampa, FL, United States.,Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Program, College of Behavioral and Community Sciences, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Jason Lind
- Research and Development Service, James A Haley Veterans' Hospital, Veterans Health Administration, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Karen Besterman-Dahan
- Research and Development Service, James A Haley Veterans' Hospital, Veterans Health Administration, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Bridget Hahm
- Research and Development Service, James A Haley Veterans' Hospital, Veterans Health Administration, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Nicole Antinori
- Research and Development Service, James A Haley Veterans' Hospital, Veterans Health Administration, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Christine Elnitsky
- School of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, United States
| | - Angelle M Sander
- Brain Injury Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX, United States.,H Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Heather G Belanger
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, US Special Operations Command, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Peter Toyinbo
- Research and Development Service, James A Haley Veterans' Hospital, Veterans Health Administration, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Gail Powell-Cope
- Research and Development Service, James A Haley Veterans' Hospital, Veterans Health Administration, Tampa, FL, United States
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12
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Rattray NA, True G, Natividad DM, Salyers MP, Frankel RM, Kukla M. The long and winding road to postsecondary education for U.S. veterans with invisible injuries. Psychiatr Rehabil J 2019; 42:284-295. [PMID: 31246076 PMCID: PMC6715523 DOI: 10.1037/prj0000375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Veterans with "invisible injuries" (a mental health diagnosis or a traumatic brain injury) often pursue higher education to enhance employment and community reintegration, but frequently experience challenges to success. This mixed methods study examined how the educational experiences of Veterans with invisible injuries become intertwined with broader transitions between military and civilian life and the resulting implications for rehabilitation services. METHOD Thirty-eight Veterans with mental illness or a traumatic brain injury who served in a post-9/11 conflict and attended a postsecondary institution within the past 60 months completed in-depth interviews and questionnaires. We used a constant comparative approach to analyze barriers and facilitators to educational functioning and community reintegration. RESULTS Managing school-specific challenges, coping with mental and physical health problems, forming a new sense of self, and forging new career pathways were major factors influencing education experiences and reintegration. Participants discussed the challenges of balancing these processes while progressing toward an academic degree, which often resulted in a longer, nonlinear educational pathway. While some participants attempted to "compartmentalize" educational goals, separate from health and family concerns, these aims were inevitably interlaced. In addition, multiple and longer military deployments tended to lengthen the time to degree completion. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Many Veterans with invisible injuries face complex challenges stemming from military experiences, the family dynamics to which they return, and reintegration issues that demand novel forms of resilience. Collaboration between university staff and health practitioners may be important in enhancing support for student Veterans coping with invisible disabilities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gala True
- South Central MIRECC Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System
| | | | | | | | - Marina Kukla
- VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication
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13
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Carlozzi NE, Kallen MA, Ianni PA, Hahn EA, French LM, Lange RT, Brickell TA, Hanks R, Sander AM. The Development of a New Computer-Adaptive Test to Evaluate Strain in Caregivers of Individuals With TBI: TBI-CareQOL Caregiver Strain. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2019; 100:S13-S21. [PMID: 29966647 PMCID: PMC6389439 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2018.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a new measure of caregiver strain for use in caregivers of individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI), Traumatic Brain Injury Caregiver Quality of Life (TBI-CareQOL) Caregiver Strain. DESIGN Qualitative data, literature reviews, and cross-sectional survey study. SETTING Three TBI Model Systems rehabilitation hospitals, an academic medical center, and a military medical treatment facility. PARTICIPANTS Caregivers (N=560) of civilians (n=344) or service members/veterans (SMVs) with TBI (n=216). INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE TBI-CareQOL Caregiver Strain Item Bank. RESULTS Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, a graded response model (GRM) and differential item functioning supported the retention of 33 items in the final measure. GRM calibration data was used to inform the selection of a 6-item static short form, and to program the TBI-CareQOL Caregiver Strain computer-adaptive test (CAT). CAT simulation analyses indicated a 0.97 correlation between the CAT scores and the full item-bank. Three-week test-retest reliability was strong (r=0.83). CONCLUSIONS The new TBI-CareQOL Caregiver Strain CAT and corresponding 6-item short form were developed using established rigorous measurement development standards; this is the first self-reported measure developed to evaluate caregiver strain in caregivers of individuals with TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelle E Carlozzi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
| | - Michael A Kallen
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Phillip A Ianni
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Elizabeth A Hahn
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Louis M French
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Rael T Lange
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Tracey A Brickell
- Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; National Intrepid Center of Excellence, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD; Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Robin Hanks
- Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan, Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology, Detroit, MI; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Angelle M Sander
- H. Ben Taub Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Baylor College of Medicine & Harris Health System, Houston, TX; Brain Injury Research Center, TIRR Memorial Hermann, Houston, TX
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Telephone-Based Progressive Tinnitus Management for Persons With and Without Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ear Hear 2019; 40:227-242. [PMID: 29847413 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This randomized controlled trial evaluated the efficacy of delivering coping skills education from Progressive Tinnitus Management (PTM) by telephone (Tele-PTM). The trial followed a previous pilot study that showed positive results for Tele-PTM. DESIGN Participants included individuals with bothersome tinnitus (N = 205) located anywhere within the United States. A special emphasis was given to including individuals who had experienced one or more traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Participants were randomized to either Tele-PTM intervention or 6-month wait-list control (WLC). The Tele-PTM intervention involved five telephone appointments-two led by an audiologist (teaching how to use therapeutic sound) and three by a psychologist (teaching coping skills derived from cognitive-behavioral therapy). It was hypothesized that Tele-PTM would be more effective than WLC in reducing functional effects of tinnitus as measured with the Tinnitus Functional Index. Additional outcome measures included the Self-Efficacy for Managing Reactions to Tinnitus questionnaire and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The effect of Tele-PTM on outcomes was estimated using linear mixed models. RESULTS Overall results showed convincingly that the Tele-PTM group had significantly better outcomes than the WLC group. These results were consistent across all outcome measures, indicating not only a reduction of tinnitus functional distress but also increased self-efficacy. Improvements in measures of anxiety and depression were also observed. Tele-PTM participants in all TBI categories showed significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS Results provide strong support for use of Tele-PTM methodology for persons with bothersome tinnitus, regardless of whether the person also has TBI symptoms. The effect size for Tele-PTM was high for the primary outcome measure, the Tinnitus Functional Index, and all other outcome measures showed significant improvement. Combined with our previous pilot study, the Tele-PTM method is validated for potential nationwide provision of tinnitus services.
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15
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Silva MA, Dillahunt-Aspillaga C, Patel N, Garofano JS, Martinez KM, Lynn CA, Rechkemmer MB, Nakase-Richardson R. Functional Outcome and Mental Health Symptoms in Military Personnel and Veterans Pursuing Postsecondary Education After Traumatic Brain Injury: A VA TBI Model Systems Study. REHABILITATION RESEARCH, POLICY, AND EDUCATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1891/2168-6653.33.1.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundTBI is a leading cause of disability among veterans and active duty military personnel, and presents an obstacle to community reintegration. Prior studies examining adult survivors of TBI pursuing postsecondary education have methodological flaws that limit the understanding the scope and severity of sequelae experienced by persons with TBI who attend college.ObjectiveTo describe (a) physical and cognitive functioning, and (b) postconcussion and mental health symptoms in veterans and military personnel (V/M) with traumatic brain injury (TBI) enrolled in postsecondary education programs after discharge from rehabilitation.MethodCross-sectional study. Participants were recruited from five Veterans Affairs (VA) Polytrauma Rehabilitation Centers, enrolled in the VA TBI Model Systems parent study, and attending school during follow-up (N= 155). Outcome measures included the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist-Civilian version (PCL-C), Patient Health Questionnaire-Depression (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7).FindingsParticipants were mostly male (92.9%) and White (81.4%), with mild (40.0%), moderate (11.5%), severe (34.5%), or very severe TBI (23.0%). Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and postconcussion symptoms were lowest in participants with very severe TBI and highest in those with mild TBI. There were no significant differences in FIM across TBI severity levels.ConclusionThis study supports the need for rehabilitation counselors, educators, and administrators to prepare future practitioners to deliver tailored services to student V/M with TBI. These services can facilitate successful community reintegration and transition into civilian school settings. Symptom profiling may inform personalized cognitive interventions to enhance these students’ academic success.
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