Clinician Documentation on Receipt of Trauma-Focused Evidence-Based Psychotherapies in a VA PTSD Clinic

J Behav Health Serv Res. 2016 Jan;43(1):71-87. doi: 10.1007/s11414-013-9372-9.

Abstract

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is implementing two trauma-focused, evidence-based psychotherapies (TF-EBPs) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD): cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure therapy (PE). Veterans with PTSD often do not receive these treatments, and little is known about the reasons veterans may not receive TF-EBPs. The aim of this qualitative study was to summarize clinician-reported reasons in medical records for nonreceipt of TF-EBPs. All veterans (N = 63) identified through PTSD screening who were newly engaged in mental health care and received individual evaluations in a PTSD specialty clinic in fiscal year 2008 were included in the sample. Content analysis of electronic medical records revealed multiple potential reasons for nonreceipt of TF-EBPs including referral to other PTSD treatments, other clinical priorities, poor engagement in care, practical barriers, negative beliefs, and receipt of care in other settings. Eight veterans (13%) initiated TF-EBPs. Further interventions to promote engagement in PTSD treatment are warranted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Ambulatory Care Facilities
  • Documentation*
  • Electronic Health Records*
  • Evidence-Based Practice
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services*
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / psychology
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy*
  • United States
  • United States Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Veterans / psychology
  • Young Adult