Implementation of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in VA Specialty Clinics

• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201300176
• Publication Date: 2014-01-15T14:37:06Z
• Authors: Bradley V. Watts; Brian Shiner; Lisa Zubkoff; Elizabeth Carpent...; Julia M. Ronconi; Craig M. Coldwell
• Keywords: Specialty; Veterans Affairs; Cognitive processing therapy; Evidence-Based Practice

Objective The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has engaged in substantial efforts to promote the use evidence-based psychotherapies for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). authors evaluated effectiveness these efforts. Methods This study used a cross-sectional, mixed-methods evaluation treatment provided by VA at specialty PTSD clinics New England during first six months fiscal year 2010. Natural language processing algorithms were applied clinical notes determine utilization psychotherapy (prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive-processing therapy) among patients who newly diagnosed as having PTSD. Data regarding implement other clinic characteristics obtained through qualitative interviews with administrative staff (N=30), Promoting Action on Research Implementation Health Services framework was identify factors associated psychotherapy. Results Six percent (N=1,924) received any sessions an (median=five sessions). Several increased rate implementation, including prior experience treatments, customization training, prolonged contact implementation training team. Facilitation broad goals highly organized systems care negatively implementation. Conclusions Few their clinic. poorly predicted uptake These results suggest that additional research is needed understand mental health settings.