Telephone-based Care for OEF/OIF Veterans With PTSD

Objective: OEF/OIF (Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom) veterans are presenting with high rates of PTSD. Translating Initiatives for Depression into Effective Solutions (TIDES) is a model of phone-based care being implemented nationally as a model to address those patients suffering from depression, PTSD, or alcohol use disorders. However, evidence-based treatments do not yet exist for phone-based management of OEF/OIF veterans who suffer from PTSD. Research Plan: This is an open trial to assess feasibility of augmenting standard treatment of PTSD with TIDES based telephone-based nurse care management.

Background: Veterans from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) present with high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive disorders, but may experience barriers to specialty mental health (MH) care. Recent research suggests the majority of OEF/OIF veterans referred to MH for PTSD or depression fail to attend the recommended number of appointments within the first year. The TIDES (Translating Initiatives for Depression into Effective Solutions) model of collaborative care management for depression is an evidence-based option for VA primary care settings. However, patients in TIDES care management often have co-morbid PTSD, and the current model does not include PTSD-specific tools. Objectives: The primary objectives of the project were to assess feasibility and acceptability of (1) adapting TIDES tools and protocols to include PTSD and depression in the management of OEF/OIF patients, and (2) implementing the adapted model to augment treatment as usual in the VA Seattle-Puget Sound Deployment Health Clinic (DHC). Methods: We conducted a pilot implementation of the TIDES/PTSD model in a single site that provides integrated care specifically for OEF/OIF veterans. TIDES CPRS (Computerized Patient Record System) templates were adapted to include assessment and monitoring for PTSD. Phone-based care management protocols were expanded to include PTSD in three clinical domains: (1) medication management, (2) psychosocial support, and (3) patient self-management support, including the optional workbook "Strategies for Managing Stress After the War: Veterans Workbook." The templates were written in VA Class 1 Software, and clinical data were coded as Health Factors, allowing for automatic collection into the VISN 20 Data Warehouse. TIDES Care Managers were trained to use these templates, protocols, and workbook. Clinical staff received an orientation to the model of care. We enrolled 20 patients, newly initiating care at the DHC, who had a clinical diagnosis of PTSD and score of 50 or greater on the PTSD Check List-Military version (PCL-M). Co-morbid depression, if present, was defined by clinical diagnosis and a score of 10 or greater on the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Patients were followed by a Care Manager for up to six months. Formative evaluation included utilization data, clinical data, and qualitative data from semi-structured interviews of clinical staff and patients on their experiences with the model. Status: Final report.