A review of initial entry training discharges at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, for accuracy of discharge classification type: fiscal year 2003.
OBJECTIVE
This study examines the extent to which discharges from Initial Entry Training can be adequately characterized by the current policy of a single descriptive category.


METHODS
Service records of each trainee discharged from Fort Leonard Wood in 2003 were examined. Discharged trainee's counseling and outpatient clinic visit records were reviewed for evidence of multiple reasons for discharge.


RESULTS
Evidence of medical involvement was found by record review in 13% of administrative discharges. Among discharges classified as being for medical or physical conditions that did not exist before service, 17% had clear evidence of preexisting chronic conditions.


CONCLUSIONS
The policy of allowing only one categorization code to describe reasons for an Initial Entry Training discharge frequently resulted in incomplete characterization of factors leading to discharge. Pre-existing medical and mental health conditions were found in a much greater percentage of discharges than indicated by a simple review of discharge codes.
Niebuhr
David W
DW
Division of Preventive Medicine, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA.
Powers
Timothy E
TE
Krauss
Margot R
MR
Cuda
Amanda S
AS
Johnson
Bryan M
BM
D000328:Adult; D003376:Counseling / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D004651:Employment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008889:Military Personnel / Q000193:education / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D008923:Missouri; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D009819:Office Visits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D015995:Prevalence; D012120:Respiration Disorders / Q000145:classification* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014481:United States; D014938:Work Capacity Evaluation