Integrative outpatient treatment for returning service members.
Veterans returning from Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) frequently present with multiple psychological and physical symptoms. The authors propose an innovative approach in which primary care providers, polytrauma specialists, vocational rehabilitation specialists, and mental health clinicians work together to provide care that is not simply concurrent, but truly integrated. All members of this interdisciplinary team must provide a consistent message that supports treatment engagement and progress. The authors illustrate this approach with a case report of a soldier deployed to both OEF and OIF, requiring subsequent treatment for joint pain, headaches, mild traumatic brain injury, posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, and substance abuse. Despite the emphasis on early intervention, treatment engagement and retention remain challenges in this population.
Batten
Sonja V
SV
VA Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA. sonja.batten@va.gov
Pollack
Stacey J
SJ
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000628:therapy; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D054542:Iraq War, 2003-2011; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008889:Military Personnel; D014481:United States