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Washington L, Bronson J, Timko C, Han B, Blue-Howells J, Finlay AK. Health Conditions and Treatment Utilization Among Older Male Veterans Incarcerated in Prisons. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:1369-1377. [PMID: 38228986 PMCID: PMC11169130 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08587-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than 50,000 older male veterans incarcerated in prisons are expected to return to their communities and utilize the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and community healthcare systems. To support the continuity of healthcare and overall successful community reentry of older incarcerated veterans, an understanding of their health profiles and treatment utilization while in correctional care is needed. OBJECTIVE To assess the health status of older male veterans incarcerated in state prisons and explore demographic, military, and VHA-related factors associated with medical conditions, disabilities, behavioral conditions, and medical and behavioral treatment utilization. DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS Cross-sectional observational study of 880 male veterans aged 50 + incarcerated in state prisons using data from the 2016 Bureau of Justice Statistics Survey of Prison Inmates. MAIN MEASURES Veteran status, self-report health status, and treatment utilization since prison admission. Prevalence rates for conditions and treatment utilization were calculated. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association of characteristics with conditions and treatment utilization. KEY RESULTS Among the 880 older male veterans in state prisons, the majority reported having a current medical condition (79.3%) or disability (61.6%), almost half had history of a mental health condition (44.5%), and more than a quarter (29%) had a substance use disorder. Compared to White veterans, Black veterans were less likely to report a disability or mental health condition. Few demographic, military, and VA-related characteristics were associated with medical or behavioral conditions or treatment utilization. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that the VHA and community healthcare systems need to be prepared to address medical and disability conditions among the majority of older male veterans who will be leaving prison and returning to their communities. Integrated medical and behavioral healthcare delivery models may be especially important for these veterans as many did not receive behavioral health treatment while in prison.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lance Washington
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA.
| | | | - Christine Timko
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Benjamin Han
- Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology, and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
- Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, USA
| | - Jessica Blue-Howells
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
| | - Andrea K Finlay
- Center for Innovation to Implementation, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd (152-MPD), Menlo Park, CA, 94025, USA
- National Center On Homelessness Among Veterans, Veterans Health Administration, Menlo Park, CA, USA
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Misca G, Augustus J, Russell J, Walker J. Meaning(s) of transition(s) from military to civilian life at the intersection with mental health: implications for clinical settings. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1142528. [PMID: 37228334 PMCID: PMC10203708 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1142528] [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: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The experiences of military personnel moving into civilian life can be varied for the individual, families and communities. This paper aims to shed light on the various meanings of the multiple and "nested" transitions of military personnel to civilian life in the context of attending a mental health service in the UK. This was achieved through secondary analysis of semi-structured interviews with veterans who were engaging with a mental health service in the UK and a further interview with the mental health service lead. A thematic analysis was employed based on a descriptive phenomenological approach. Results indicate that an appropriate support infrastructure needs to be put in place for veterans prior to, during and after the transition to civilian life. The support appropriateness includes themes specific to connectedness to others, support service accessibility, mental health professionals' military culture awareness and mental health stigma. Although the findings suggest that community services need an awareness of veterans' specific needs, many of the themes are similar to those of the general population. Therefore, the need for an integrated healthcare system is essential in the transition of military service personnel to civilian life. Drawing on international evidence as well as the current findings, implications for policy and practice are highlighted throughout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Misca
- School of Psychology, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
| | - Jo Augustus
- Institute of Health, University of Cumbria, Cumbria, United Kingdom
| | - Jade Russell
- School of Psychology, University of Worcester, Worcester, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Walker
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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3
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Hyde J, Byrne T, Petrakis BA, Yakovchenko V, Kim B, Fincke G, Bolton R, Visher C, Blue-Howells J, Drainoni ML, McInnes DK. Enhancing community integration after incarceration: findings from a prospective study of an intensive peer support intervention for veterans with an historical comparison group. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2022; 10:33. [PMID: 36348203 PMCID: PMC9644600 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-022-00195-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition to the community after incarceration presents challenges for returning citizens, including the immediate need to secure housing, employment, and income. Additionally, health care is essential for this population due to high rates of chronic physical health and mental health problems and substance use disorders. There is growing recognition of the need for interventions that support returning citizens as they navigate community reintegration while simultaneously tending to physical and behavioral health needs. We developed and pilot tested a peer support intervention designed to provide social, emotional, and logistic support and promote linkage and engagement in healthcare for returning citizens. We tested the intervention with US military veterans in Massachusetts who were being released from prison and jail. Outcomes related to linkage to and engagement in healthcare were evaluated using an historical comparison group. Engagement in peer support, housing status, and reincarceration rates were monitored for the intervention group. RESULTS There were 43 veterans in the intervention group, and 36 in the historical comparison group. For linkage to primary care within 90 days of release, there were no statistically significant differences between the intervention and comparison groups (58% versus 67%). Intervention participants were significantly more likely to receive substance use treatment than the comparison group (86% versus 19%, p < .0001) and the mean monthly substance use visits was greater in the intervention group (0.96 versus 0.34, p < .007). Engagement in mental health services was greater for the intervention group than the comparison group (93% versus 64%, p < .003). There were no significant differences between groups for emergency department use and hospitalization. At the end of the study period, the majority of intervention participants who had been released for over a year were living in permanent housing (84%). Recidivism among the was low, with 7% re-arrested during the study period. CONCLUSIONS Augmenting reentry support through intensive peer support appears to have substantial benefits for veterans in terms of engaging them in health care and contributing to their longer-term stability, including housing and recidivism. Flexible reentry support such as this intervention may be well suited to meet the widely varying needs of returning citizens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justeen Hyde
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 200 Springs Road, MS 152, Bldg. 70, Rm 285, Bedford, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA.
- General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Thomas Byrne
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 200 Springs Road, MS 152, Bldg. 70, Rm 285, Bedford, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
- School of Social Work, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Beth Ann Petrakis
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 200 Springs Road, MS 152, Bldg. 70, Rm 285, Bedford, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
| | - Vera Yakovchenko
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bo Kim
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, USA
| | - Graeme Fincke
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 200 Springs Road, MS 152, Bldg. 70, Rm 285, Bedford, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
- Department of Health Law Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rendelle Bolton
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 200 Springs Road, MS 152, Bldg. 70, Rm 285, Bedford, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
- The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Christy Visher
- Center for Drug & Health Studies, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice, University of Delaware, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Jessica Blue-Howells
- VA Healthcare for Re-Entry Veterans, U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Washington, USA
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Department of Health Law Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - D Keith McInnes
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, 200 Springs Road, MS 152, Bldg. 70, Rm 285, Bedford, Bedford, MA, 01730, USA
- Department of Health Law Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Simmons M, Kim B, Hyde J, Lemon TL, Scharer KE, McInnes DK. Protecting the Public's Health Through Successful Reentry for Sex Offender After Incarceration. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP15231-NP15254. [PMID: 34039087 PMCID: PMC8617060 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211016344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the post-incarceration reintegration experiences of military veterans convicted of sex offenses and identify potential interventions to ease reintegration for this population. Participants were a convenience sample of 14 veterans who were on sex offender (SO) registries and 21 community stakeholders involved in supporting persons during re-entry. Subjects were identified purposively and through snowball sampling, in Massachusetts. We employed semi-structured qualitative interviews of participants, followed by analysis including process mapping to identify barrier and facilitation points. We used both a grounded thematic approach and a priori codes, guided by the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations. We found re-entry barriers include older age, stigma, lack of social support, inadequate information about sexual offense levels, limited housing options and access to mental health treatment to reduce sexual impulses, and re-entry information tailored to SOs. Re-entry facilitators include access to SO treatment, knowledge about services, self-efficacy, ability to self-advocate, and social support. Interventions to aid successful re-entry include pre-release counseling and classes tailored to SO needs, re-entry planning including housing resources, sexual deviance treatment, and referral to legal counseling to assist with altering assigned SO level. Specific needs and resources unique to veterans should be integrated into reentry plans. Convicted SOs often lack information and assistance to prepare for life after release, putting them at increased risk of homelessness, emotional difficulties, and financial hardship. Failure to recognize the unique needs of this population, and to leverage resources, creates a public health risk as it increases the likelihood that SOs will recidivate. Veterans who are SOs have unique resources available to them through the Veterans Administration such as SO treatment and peer-support specialists. Nevertheless there are additional steps that could be beneficial, such as timely provision of information, creating more opportunities for treatment, and providing more housing options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bo Kim
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justeen Hyde
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA
- Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - D. Keith McInnes
- Edith Nourse Rogers Memorial Veterans Hospital, Bedford, MA, USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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5
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Harvey TD, Busch SH, Lin HJ, Aminawung JA, Puglisi L, Shavit S, Wang EA. Cost savings of a primary care program for individuals recently released from prison: a propensity-matched study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:585. [PMID: 35501855 PMCID: PMC9059905 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-07985-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Criminal justice system costs in the United States have exponentially increased over the last decades, and providing health care to individuals released from incarceration is costly. To better understand how to manage costs to state budgets for those who have been incarcerated, we aimed to assess state-level costs of an enhanced primary care program, Transitions Clinic Network (TCN), for chronically-ill and older individuals recently released from prison. Methods We linked administrative data from Connecticut Department of Correction, Medicaid, and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to identify a propensity matched comparison group and estimate costs of a primary care program serving chronically-ill and older individuals released from incarceration between 2013 and 2016. We matched 94 people released from incarceration who received care at a TCN program to 94 people released from incarceration who did not receive care at TCN program on numerous characteristics. People eligible for TCN program participation were released from incarceration within the prior 6 months and had a chronic health condition or were over the age of 50. We estimated 1) costs associated with the TCN program and 2) costs accrued by Medicaid and the criminal justice system. We evaluated associations between program participation and Medicaid and criminal justice system costs over a 12-month period using bivariate analyses with nonparametric bootstrapping method. Results The 12-month TCN program operating cost was estimated at $54,394 ($146 per participant per month). Average monthly Medicaid costs per participant were not statistically different between the TCN ($1737 ± $3449) and comparison ($1356 ± $2530) groups. Average monthly criminal justice system costs per participant were significantly lower among TCN group ($733 ± $1130) compared with the matched group ($1276 ± $1738, p < 0.05). We estimate every dollar invested in the TCN program yielded a 12-month return of $2.55 to the state. Conclusions Medicaid investments in an enhanced primary care program for individuals returning from incarceration are cost neutral and positively impact state budgets by reducing criminal justice system costs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12913-022-07985-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler D Harvey
- SEICHE Center for Health and Justice, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite G05, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
| | - Susan H Busch
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Hsiu-Ju Lin
- School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, CT, Hartford, USA
| | | | - Lisa Puglisi
- SEICHE Center for Health and Justice, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite G05, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Shira Shavit
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Emily A Wang
- SEICHE Center for Health and Justice, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite G05, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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6
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Boles W, Tatum T, Wall J, Nguyen L, Van Dall A, Mulhollem C, Sacks A, Wennerstrom A, Reilly B, Niyogi A. Us helping us: The evolution of a peer support group for formerly incarcerated people. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:920640. [PMID: 35982939 PMCID: PMC9379313 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.920640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Physical, psychological, and emotional trauma experienced while incarcerated influences subsequent mental health outcomes. Upon release, there is a fragmented landscape of mental health services and many of the existing services do not account for the root causes of challenges faced by formerly incarcerated people (FIP). To address the unmet social, psychological, behavioral, and emotional needs of FIP in Louisiana, the Formerly Incarcerated Peer Support (FIPS) Group developed a twelve-unit curriculum in 2019. METHODS We detail the evolution, development, and evaluation of the FIPS Group program. Additionally, we describe the community-driven process for developing the curriculum. RESULTS The FIPS Group has grown from informal meetings of a handful of FIP in New Orleans, Louisiana, into a multi-state, interdisciplinary network of more than 150 stakeholders. FIPS Group has developed the only peer support curriculum we are aware of that is designed by FIP, for FIP, and uses the shared experience of incarceration and reentry as its organizing principle. Limitations of the model include the lack of pending evaluation data and challenges with technological proficiency among FIP. CONCLUSIONS The FIPS Group model may be generalized in a number of settings. Similar approaches may benefit the mental health of the millions of Americans involved in the criminal-legal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Will Boles
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Medicine, and Harvard Kennedy School of Government, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Thad Tatum
- Formerly Incarcerated Peer Support (FIPS) Group, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Jarrod Wall
- City, Culture, and Community Program, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Lauren Nguyen
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Alexandria Van Dall
- Formerly Incarcerated Peer Support (FIPS) Group, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Claire Mulhollem
- Department of Sociology, School of Liberal Arts, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Anna Sacks
- Voice of the Experienced (VOTE), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Ashley Wennerstrom
- Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Bruce Reilly
- Voice of the Experienced (VOTE), New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Anjali Niyogi
- Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
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Crone B, Metraux S, Sbrocco T. Health Service Access Among Homeless Veterans: Health Access Challenges Faced by Homeless African American Veterans. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2021; 9:1828-1844. [PMID: 34402040 PMCID: PMC8367031 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-021-01119-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Veteran homelessness is a public health crisis, especially among the disproportionate number of minority veterans in the homeless veteran population. African American homeless veterans in particular face unique challenges accessing appropriate health care services to meet their medical needs. Their needs are often underrepresented in the literature on veteran homelessness. Drawing together over 80 studies and government reports from the last two decades, this review provides a timely synopsis of homeless veterans' health care access, with a particular focus on the barriers faced by African American veterans. This review employs Penchansky and Thomas' Access Model to frame health access barriers faced by homeless veterans, dialing in on what is known about the experience of African American veterans, within the five dimensions of access: Availability, Accessibility, Accommodation, Affordability, and Acceptability. Actionable guidance and targeted interventions to address health access barriers for all veterans are delineated with a focus on the need to gather further data for African American homeless veterans and to consider tailoring interventions for this important and underserved group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baylee Crone
- Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | | | - Tracy Sbrocco
- Uniformed Service University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA
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8
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Betancourt CA, Kitsantas P, Goldberg DG, Hawks BA. Substance Use Relapse Among Veterans at Termination of Treatment for Substance Use Disorders. Mil Med 2021; 187:e1422-e1431. [PMID: 34272857 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usab280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Military veterans continue to struggle with addiction even after receiving treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). Identifying factors that may influence SUD relapse upon receiving treatment in veteran populations is crucial for intervention and prevention efforts. The purpose of this study was to examine risk factors that contribute to SUD relapse upon treatment completion in a sample of U.S. veterans using logistic regression and classification tree analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data from the 2017 Treatment Episode Data Set-Discharge (TEDS-D) included 40,909 veteran episode observations. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine factors associated with SUD relapse after treatment discharge. Classification trees were constructed to identify high-risk subgroups for substance use after discharge from treatment for SUDs. RESULTS Approximately 94% of the veterans relapsed upon discharge from outpatient or residential SUD treatment. Veterans aged 18-34 years old were significantly less likely to relapse than the 35-64 age group (odds ratio [OR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66, 0.82), while males were more likely than females to relapse (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.34, 1.79). Unemployed veterans (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.67, 2.22) or veterans not in the labor force (OR 1.29, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.47) were more likely to relapse than employed veterans. Homeless vs. independently housed veterans had 3.26 (95% CI: 2.55, 4.17) higher odds of relapse after treatment. Veterans with one arrest vs. none were more likely to relapse (OR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.19, 1.95). Treatment completion was critical to maintain sobriety, as every other type of discharge led to more than double the odds of relapse. Veterans who received care at 24-hour detox facilities were 1.49 (95% CI: 1.23, 1.80) times more likely to relapse than those at rehabilitative/residential treatment facilities. Classification tree analysis indicated that homelessness upon discharge was the most important predictor in SUD relapse among veterans. CONCLUSION Aside from numerous challenges that veterans face after leaving military service, SUD relapse is intensified by risk factors such as homelessness, unemployment, and insufficient SUD treatment. As treatment and preventive care for SUD relapse is an active field of study, further research on SUD relapse among homeless veterans is necessary to better understand the epidemiology of substance addiction among this vulnerable population. The findings of this study can inform healthcare policy and practices targeting veteran-tailored treatment programs to improve SUD treatment completion and lower substance use after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian A Betancourt
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444, USA
| | - Panagiota Kitsantas
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444, USA
| | - Deborah G Goldberg
- Department of Health Administration and Policy, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030-4444, USA
| | - Beth A Hawks
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Biometrics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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9
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Fuller JM, Ho YX, Morse R, Fix G, Cutrona SL, Gaziano T, Connolly SL, Hass R, Jackson J, McInnes DK. A Mobile Health Tool for Peer Support of Individuals Reentering Communities After Incarceration. J Health Care Poor Underserved 2021; 32:148-165. [PMID: 35574220 PMCID: PMC9097827 DOI: 10.1353/hpu.2021.0055] [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: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Individuals just released from prison, or returning citizens (RCs), face high mortality rates during the reentry period, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) being a leading cause. Peer mentors can support RCs' health, but they traditionally work in person, which may not always be feasible, particularly during pandemic outbreaks such as COVID-19. We used human-centered design to build a prototype of RCPeer, a web/mobile application (app) to support peer-led reentry efforts through CVD risk screening, action planning, linkage to resources addressing reintegration needs (e.g., housing, transportation), and goal-setting. We assessed feasibility, acceptability, and usability of RCPeer using mixed-methods. System Usability Scale (SUS) scores were 68 for peers and 66 for RCs, indicating good usability. Qualitative data suggests that RCPeer can support reentry tasks through RCs and peers sharing data, strengthen RC-peer relationships, and facilitate RCs meeting their goals. Future work is needed to enhance usability for RCs with limited technology experience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gemmae Fix
- Center for Health Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA
| | - Sarah L Cutrona
- Center for Health Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA
| | - Thomas Gaziano
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Samantha L Connolly
- Center for Health Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Boston, MA
| | | | | | - D Keith McInnes
- Center for Health Organization and Implementation Research (CHOIR), VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford, MA
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10
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Victor G, Sightes E, Watson DP, Ray B, Bailey K, Robision L, Fears G, Edwards R, Salyers M. Designing and implementing an intervention for returning citizens living with substance use disorder: discovering the benefits of peer recovery coach involvement in pilot clinical trial decision-making. JOURNAL OF OFFENDER REHABILITATION 2021; 60:138-158. [PMID: 33551628 PMCID: PMC7861566 DOI: 10.1080/10509674.2020.1863301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Peer-facilitated services in behavioral health care remain underutilized within criminal justice-involved community organizations, and there is little guidance for how to best involve peer workers in behavioral health-focused research activities. This paper described lessons learned regarding implementation of peer recovery coaches (PRCs) as part of development and pilot research on Substance Use Programming for Person-Oriented Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT), a peer-facilitated substance use disorder (SUD) intervention for returning citizens. Qualitative data were collected from learning meetings with key stakeholders and group interviews with SUPPORT clinical trial participants and PRCs. Transcripts were analyzed to identify key decisions made impacting the development, implementation, and/or revision of the SUPPORT intervention and pilot clinical trial protocols. Analysis demonstrated that PRC involvement drove many of the decisions made regarding modifications to the original intervention and trial protocols, while benefitting client-level interactions and by influencing the non-profit agency and its connection to stakeholders. Moreover, PRCs improved the research design by refining the incentive structure and data collection plans. PRC involvement also contributed to the development of more recovery-oriented resources and catering support services to the unique needs of justice-involved individuals. Discussed were the implications for the role of PRCs in justice-involved behavioral health research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant Victor
- Center for Behavioral Health and Justice, School of Social Work, Wayne State University, 5447 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
| | - Emily Sightes
- Center for Behavioral Health and Justice, School of Social Work, Wayne State University, 5447 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
| | - Dennis P Watson
- Lighthouse Institute, Chestnut Health Systems, 1003 Martin Luther King Jr Dr, Bloomington, IL 61701
| | - Bradley Ray
- Center for Behavioral Health and Justice, School of Social Work, Wayne State University, 5447 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
| | - Katie Bailey
- Center for Behavioral Health and Justice, School of Social Work, Wayne State University, 5447 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
| | - Lisa Robision
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 818 S. Wolcott, Chicago, IL 60612
| | - Gina Fears
- Public Advocates in Community re-Entry, 2855 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46218
| | - Rhiannon Edwards
- Public Advocates in Community re-Entry, 2855 N. Keystone Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46218
| | - Michelle Salyers
- Departement of Psychology, 402 N. Blackford St., Indianapolis, IN 46202
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11
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Kalver EH, McInnes DK, Yakovchenko V, Hyde J, Petrakis BA, Kim B. The CORE (Consensus on Relevant Elements) Approach to Determining Initial Core Components of an Innovation. FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2021; 1:752177. [PMID: 36926486 PMCID: PMC10012682 DOI: 10.3389/frhs.2021.752177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Identifying an intervention's core components is indispensable to gauging whether an intervention is implemented with fidelity and/or is modified; it is often a multi-stage process, starting with the first stage of identifying an initial set of core components that are gradually refined. This first stage of identifying initial core components has not been thoroughly examined. Without a clear set of steps to follow, interventions may vary in the rigor and thought applied to identifying their initial core components. We devised the CORE (Consensus on Relevant Elements) approach to synthesize opinions of intervention developers/implementers to identify an intervention's initial core components, particularly applicable to innovative interventions. We applied CORE to a peer-based intervention that aids military veterans with post-incarceration community reintegration. Our CORE application involved four intervention developers/implementers and two moderators to facilitate the seven CORE steps. Our CORE application had two iterations, moving through Steps 1 (individual core component suggestions) through 7 (group discussion for consensus), then repeating Steps 4 (consolidation of component definitions) through 7. This resulted in 18 consensus-reached initial core components of the peer-based intervention, down from the 60 that the developers/implementers individually suggested at Step 1. Removed components were deemed to not threaten the intervention's effectiveness even if absent. CORE contributes to filling a critical gap regarding identifying an intervention's initial core components (so that the identified components can be subsequently refined), by providing concrete steps for synthesizing the knowledge of an intervention's developers/implementers. Future research should examine CORE's utility across various interventions and implementation settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily H Kalver
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, United States
| | - D Keith McInnes
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Health Administration, Bedford, MA, United States.,Department of Health Law, Policy, and Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Vera Yakovchenko
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Health Administration, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Justeen Hyde
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Health Administration, Bedford, MA, United States.,Section of General Internal Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Beth Ann Petrakis
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Health Administration, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Bo Kim
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Health Administration, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Miler JA, Carver H, Foster R, Parkes T. Provision of peer support at the intersection of homelessness and problem substance use services: a systematic 'state of the art' review. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:641. [PMID: 32381086 PMCID: PMC7203893 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8407-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Peer support refers to a process whereby individuals with lived experience of a particular phenomenon provide support to others by explicitly drawing on their personal experience. It has been adopted in a variety of service contexts including homelessness, substance use, mental and physical health. Those who experience homelessness have some of the most complex intersecting health and social challenges. This ‘state of the art’ review provides a systematic search and synthesis of literature examining use of peer support models within services for people impacted by homelessness and problem substance use. Methods A systematic search using six databases (CINAHL, SocINDEX, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Knowledge) was conducted in August 2019 and identified 2248 papers published in English after the year 2000. After de-duplication and scanning titles/abstracts, 61 papers were deemed relevant. Three more papers (including one grey literature report) were identified via references, but two papers were later excluded due to relevance. The final 62 papers included studies conducted in five countries. A thematic analysis approach was used to compare and contrast the study findings and provide a synthesis of the main learning points. Results In recent years there has been a substantial increase in research examining the utility of peer support yet there is significant variation across this field. Alongside profiling the range of settings, aims, populations, and main outcomes of these studies, this paper also provides an overview of overarching themes: the overall effectiveness and impact of peer-staffed or peer-led interventions; and challenges commonly faced in these roles. Five themes relating to the challenges faced by peers were identified: vulnerability, authenticity, boundaries, stigma, and lack of recognition. Conclusions While our findings provide support for current efforts to involve individuals with lived experience in providing peer support to those experiencing concurrent problem substance use and homelessness, they also urge caution because of common pitfalls that can leave those providing the support vulnerable. We conclude that peers should be respected, valued, supported, and compensated for their work which is often profoundly challenging. Suggested guidelines for the implementation of peer involvement in research studies and service delivery are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Astrid Miler
- Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Colin Bell Building 4S31, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK.
| | - Hannah Carver
- Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Colin Bell Building 4S31, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Rebecca Foster
- Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Colin Bell Building 4S31, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Tessa Parkes
- Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Colin Bell Building 4S31, Stirling, FK9 4LA, UK
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Kim B, Bolton RE, Hyde J, Fincke BG, Drainoni ML, Petrakis BA, Simmons MM, McInnes DK. Coordinating across correctional, community, and VA systems: applying the Collaborative Chronic Care Model to post-incarceration healthcare and reentry support for veterans with mental health and substance use disorders. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2019; 7:18. [PMID: 31832790 PMCID: PMC6909453 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-019-0099-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 12,000 and 16,000 veterans leave incarceration annually. As is known to be the case for justice-involved populations in general, mental health disorders (MHDs) and substance use disorders (SUDs) are highly prevalent among incarcerated veterans, and individuals with MHDs and SUDs reentering the community are at increased risk of deteriorating health and recidivism. We sought to identify opportunities to better coordinate care/services across correctional, community, and VA systems for reentry veterans with MHDs and SUDs. METHODS We interviewed 16 veterans post-incarceration and 22 stakeholders from reentry-involved federal/state/community organizations. We performed a grounded thematic analysis, and recognizing consistencies between the emergent themes and the evidence-based Collaborative Chronic Care Model (CCM), we mapped findings to the CCM's elements - work role redesign (WRR), patient self-management support (PSS), provider decision support (PDS), clinical information systems (CIS), linkages to community resources (LCR), and organizational/leadership support (OLS). RESULTS Emergent themes included (i) WRR - coordination challenges among organizations involved in veterans' reentry; (ii) PSS - veterans' fear of reentering society; (iii) PDS - uneven knowledge by reentry support providers regarding available services when deciding which services to connect a reentry veteran to and whether he/she is ready and/or willing to receive services; (iv) CIS - lapses in MHD/SUD medications between release and a first scheduled health care appointment, as well as challenges in transfer of medical records; (v) LCR - inconsistent awareness of existing services and resources available across a disparate reentry system; and (vi) OLS - reentry plans designed to address only immediate transitional needs upon release, which do not always prioritize MHD/SUD needs. CONCLUSIONS Applying the CCM to coordinating cross-system health care and reentry support may contribute to reductions in mental health crises and overdoses in the precarious first weeks of the reentry period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Kim
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Rendelle E. Bolton
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Brandeis University The Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Waltham, MA USA
| | - Justeen Hyde
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - B. Graeme Fincke
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - Beth Ann Petrakis
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
| | | | - D. Keith McInnes
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
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Kim B, McCullough MB, Simmons MM, Bolton RE, Hyde J, Drainoni ML, Fincke BG, McInnes DK. A novel application of process mapping in a criminal justice setting to examine implementation of peer support for veterans leaving incarceration. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2019; 7:3. [PMID: 30915620 PMCID: PMC6718000 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-019-0085-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 12,000 and 16,000 veterans leave incarceration every year, yet resources are limited for reentry support that helps veterans remain connected to VA and community health care and services after leaving incarceration. Homelessness and criminal justice recidivism may result when such follow-up and support are lacking. In order to determine where gaps exist in current reentry support efforts, we developed a novel methodological adaptation of process mapping (a visualization technique being increasingly used in health care to identify gaps in services and linkages) in the context of a larger implementation study of a peer-support intervention to link veterans to health-related services after incarceration ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/ , NCT02964897, registered November 4, 2016) to support their reentry into the community. METHODS We employed process mapping to analyze qualitative interviews with staff from organizations providing reentry support. Interview data were used to generate process maps specifying the sequence of events and the multiple parties that connect veterans to post-incarceration services. Process maps were then analyzed for uncertainties, gaps, and bottlenecks. RESULTS We found that reentry programs lack systematic means of identifying soon-to-be released veterans who may become their clients; veterans in prisons/jails, and recently released, lack information about reentry supports and how to access them; and veterans' whereabouts between their release and their health care appointments are often unknown to reentry and health care teams. These system-level shortcomings informed our intervention development and implementation planning of peer-support services for veterans' reentry. CONCLUSIONS Systematic information sharing that is inherent to process mapping makes more transparent the research needed, helping to engage participants and operational partners who are critical for successful implementation of interventions to improve reentry support for veterans leaving incarceration. Even beyond our immediate study, process mapping based on qualitative interview data enables visualization of data that is useful for 1) verifying the research team's interpretation of interviewee's accounts, 2) specifying the events that occur within processes that the implementation is targeting (identifying knowledge gaps and inefficiencies), and 3) articulating and tracking the pre- to post-implementation changes clearly to support dissemination of evidence-based health care practices for justice-involved populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Kim
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Megan B. McCullough
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | | | - Rendelle E. Bolton
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Brandeis University Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Waltham, MA USA
| | - Justeen Hyde
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
- Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA USA
| | - B. Graeme Fincke
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
| | - D. Keith McInnes
- VA Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Bedford/Boston, MA USA
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA USA
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