Category: Trauma and Stressor Related Disorders and Disasters
Stephanie Wells, Ph.D.
Research Psychologist
Durham VA Health Care System/VISN 6 Mid-Atlantic MIRECC
Durham, North Carolina
Leslie Morland, PsyD
Professor
University of California-San Diego/San Diego VA
la Jolla, California
Nadia Malek, PhD
National Center for PTSD
Milpitas, California
Stephanie Wells, Ph.D.
Research Psychologist
Durham VA Health Care System/VISN 6 Mid-Atlantic MIRECC
Durham, North Carolina
Alyssa Jones, Ph.D.
Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina
Elizabeth Goetter, Ph.D.
Massachusetts General Hospital
Charlestown, Massachusetts
Philip Held, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Rush
Chicago, Illinois
There are numerous evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but access to and engagement in treatment remains a challenge. In recent years, there has been a shift to deliver treatments through alternative delivery modalities rather than traditional once a week in-person care to increase access to and engagement in PTSD EBTs. However, there is little data about individuals’ preferences for PTSD treatment delivery modalities and how various delivery modalities impact treatment engagement and process. Research indicates that matching individuals with their preferred treatment types can improve outcomes and engagement. Therefore, better understanding individuals’ preferences can inform which treatments and modalities to offer. It is also critical to ensure that alternative delivery modalities do not negatively impact the therapeutic process.
The innovative research presented in this symposium will identify treatment and delivery modality preferences for individuals with PTSD. Additionally, the research will examine the therapeutic process in intensive outpatient PTSD treatment programs, an emerging delivery format for PTSD EBTs. First, Ms. Malek will present on Veterans’ preferences for PTSD treatment delivery and examine factors associated with preferences. Second, Dr. Wells will present on Veterans’ preferred couples-based PTSD treatment and delivery modality, as well as their reasons why. Results indicate significantly more Veterans prefer Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy than PTSD Family Education. However, there was no significant difference between in-person couples treatment or home-based videoconferencing; 51% preferred in-person and 49% preferred videoconferencing. Third, Dr. Jones will present data on how changing Veterans’ delivery modality due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted engagement in PTSD EBPs. Results indicated that 75% of Veterans who had been scheduled for in-person care continued treatment through telehealth when it was mandated.
Fourth, Dr. Goetter will present on how delivery format (i.e., in-person or telehealth) impacted group cohesion and patient satisfaction during an intensive outpatient program for PTSD. Results indicated that group cohesion was associated with PTSD symptom change but patterns differed by format. Fifth, Dr. Held will present on the working alliance during an intensive outpatient program for PTSD among Veterans. Veterans were able to form a strong therapeutic alliance during this condensed/ delivery format and stronger alliance predicted greater changes in PTSD, depression, and negative cognitions
Attendees will learn more about how individuals want to receive their PTSD care, including a variety of formats (e.g., telehealth, intensive), which is important to ensure healthcare providers and systems can accommodate preferences. Additionally, attendees will better understand therapeutic process in non-traditional delivery. In sum, continuing to flexibly delivery PTSD treatment may increase access to and engagement in PTSD EBTs.
Presenter: Nadia Malek, PhD – National Center for PTSD
Co-author: Eve Rosenfeld, Ph.D. – VA Palo Alto Health Care System/Stanford
Co-author: Craig Rosen, PhD – National Center for PTSD, Dissemination and Training Division
Co-author: Carmen P. McLean, Ph.D. – National Center for PTSD
Presenter: Stephanie Y. Wells, Ph.D. – Durham VA Health Care System/VISN 6 Mid-Atlantic MIRECC
Co-author: Stephanie Y. Wells, Ph.D. – Durham VA Health Care System/VISN 6 Mid-Atlantic MIRECC
Co-author: Kathleen M. Grubbs, Ph.D. – VA San Diego Healthcare System/University of California, San Diego
Co-author: Kayla Knopp, Ph.D. – VA San Diego Health Care System
Co-author: Eric Dedert, PhD – Durham VA Health Care System
Co-author: George Jackson, PhD, MHA – Durham VA Health Care System
Co-author: Shannon Kehle-Forbes, PhD – Minneapolis VA Health Care System
Co-author: Leslie Morland, PsyD – University of California-San Diego/San Diego VA
Presenter: Alyssa C. Jones, Ph.D. – Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Medical University of South Carolina
Co-author: Ursula Myers, Ph.D. – Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Medical University of South Carolina
Co-author: Bethany Wangelin, Ph.D. – Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center and Medical University of South Carolina
Presenter: Elizabeth Goetter, Ph.D. – Massachusetts General Hospital
Co-author: Elyse Lynch, BA – Massachusetts General Hospital
Co-author: Molly Nadel, B.A. – Massachusetts General Hospital
Co-author: Laura Harward, LiCSW – Massachusetts General Hospital
Co-author: Edward Wright, PhD – Massachusetts General Hospital
Presenter: Philip Held, Ph.D. – Rush
Co-author: Dale Smith, PhD – Rush University Medical Center
Co-author: Jennifer Coleman, PhD – Rush University Medical Center
Co-author: Brian Klassen, PhD – Rush University Medical Center