Abstract
Dropout from outpatient mental health treatment may contribute to high rates of relapse and rehospitalization among veterans with chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a quasi-experimental cohort study, 87 male and 17 female veterans discharging from residential PTSD treatment received either standard referral to outpatient care (N = 77) or standard referrals supplemented by biweekly telephone calls (N = 27). Telephone monitoring and support was feasible and acceptable to 85% of clients. Compared to prior patient cohorts, clients receiving telephone support were twice as likely (88% vs. 43%) to complete an outpatient visit within 1 month of discharge and reported higher satisfaction with care.
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This research was supported by a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) HSR&D Local Initiative Grant LIP 62-090 “Feasibility of telephone case monitoring for veterans with PTSD” to the first author. Preparation of this manuscript was also supported in part by the VA National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Health Services Research and Development Service, and VA Palo Alto Health Care System. Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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Rosen, C.S., DiLandro, C., Corwin, K.N. et al. Telephone Monitoring and Support For Veterans with Chronic Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study. Community Ment Health J 42, 501–508 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-006-9047-6
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-006-9047-6