An RCT of Effects of Telephone Care Management on Treatment Adherence and Clinical Outcomes Among Veterans With PTSD

• DOI: 10.1176/appi.ps.201600069
• Publication Date: 2016-10-17T07:17:44Z
• Authors: Craig S. Rosen; Kathryn J. Azevedo; Quyen Q. Tiet; Carolyn J. Greene; Amanda E. Wood; Patrick Calhoun; Thomas Bowe; Bruce P. Capehart; Eric F. Crawford; Mark A. Greenbaum; Alex H. S. Harris; Michael Hertzberg; Steven E. Lindley; Brandy N. Smith; Paula P. Schnurr
• Keywords: Veterans Affairs; Attendance; Depression; Telephone call

Objective: This study assessed whether adding telephone care management to usual outpatient mental health improved treatment attendance, medication compliance, and clinical outcomes of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods: In a multisite randomized controlled trial, 358 were assigned either (N=165) or plus twice-a-month (TCM) support in the first three months (N=193). Treatment utilization refills determined from U.S. Department Veterans Affairs administrative data. PTSD, depression, quality life, aggressive behavior, substance use self-report questionnaires at intake, four months, 12 months. Results: Telephone managers reached 95% TCM participants (N=182), completing an average 5.1 6.0 planned calls. During three-month intervention period, completed 43% more visits (M±SD=5.9±6.8) than did those (4.1±4.2) (incident rate ratio=1.36, χ2=6.56, df=1, p<.01). nine-month follow-up period not differ by condition. Only 9% scheduled receive evidence-based psychotherapy. Slopes improvement alcohol misuse, drug problems, life condition attendance. Conclusions: PTSD patients’ attendance but their outcomes. can enhance engagement, depend on effectiveness treatments that patients receive.