Implementing a Multi-Disciplinary, Evidence-Based Resilience Intervention for Moral Injury Syndrome: Systemic Barriers and Facilitators

Moral injury syndrome (MIS) is a mental health (MH) problem that substantially affects resilience; the presence of MIS reduces responsiveness to psychotherapy and increases suicide risk. Evidence-based treatment for MIS is available; however, it often goes untreated. This project uses principles of the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to assess barriers and facilitators to the implementation of Building Spiritual Strength (BSS), a multi-disciplinary treatment for MIS. Interviews were conducted with chaplains and mental health providers who had completed BSS facilitator training at six sites in the VA. Data were analyzed using the Hamilton Rapid Turnaround method. Findings included multiple facilitators to the implementation of BSS, including its accessibility and appeal to VA chaplains; leadership by VA chaplains trained in the intervention; and effective collaboration between the chaplains and mental health providers. Barriers to the implementation of BSS included challenges in engaging mental health providers and incorporating them as group leaders, veterans' lack of familiarity with the group format of BSS, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results highlight the need for increased trust and collaboration between VA chaplains and mental health providers in the implementation of BSS and treatment of MIS.

Chaplains in federal and state organizations: An institutional note

Spiritually integrated care that includes collaborations among chaplains, psychologists, and other health care professionals can have a profound effect on people's lives. To facilitate this care, scholars and policy makers need to understand where chaplains work and how they are (or are not) formally a part of institutions, particularly those funded by the state and federal government. This article offers a short history of chaplaincy and provides snapshots about where chaplains work as federal and state employees in three sample states: Massachusetts, Illinois, and California. This institutional perspective is integral to understanding where and how chaplains are staffed and where collaborations are possible. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).