title: Evaluation of a mentoring program for PTSD clinic managers in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This evaluation study elicited feedback from participants in a novel program intended to help posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) clinical managers address organizational challenges in providing services and improving care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Program participants were invited to respond to an online survey developed for this study; 46% (N=121) responded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two-thirds of survey respondents had engaged in mentoring program activities ten or more times in the past six months. Roughly half the respondents reported that the program helped them be more connected to other clinics, learn about innovations in care, and feel more supported. Those who participated more often (β=.25, p<.01) and rated their mentors highly (β=.59, p<.01) reported greater benefits from the program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Mentees who were actively engaged with the mentoring program reported significant benefits. Efforts are under way to enhance the program by strengthening mentor selection and training.
authors.affiliation: National Center for PTSD, Department of Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Rd. (334-PTSD), Menlo Park, CA 94025, USA. craig.rosen@va.gov
authors.forename: Craig S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Rosen
authors.forename: Tam
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Nancy C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Bernardy
authors.forename: Jessica L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hamblen
authors.forename: Josef I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Ruzek
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Friedman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000554:Ambulatory Care Facilities; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008611:Mentors; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011584:Psychology; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States; D014493:United States Department of Veterans Affairs