Practical partnered research to improve weight loss among overweight/obese veterans: lessons from the trenches

Leveraging multistakeholder engagement to develop an implementation blueprint for a brief trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy in primary care

Objective: The implementation of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) to address posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a public health priority. Successful EBT implementation requires effective collaboration between multiple stakeholder groups, including hospital leaders, providers, and patients, to build buy-in for this effort. Method: We describe our implementation science approach to meaningful stakeholder engagement, as part of a hybrid type I effectiveness-implementation trial of Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation for PTSD treatment in primary care (STAIR-PC) at a large safety net hospital. We used primary care and patient community advisory boards (CABs) to interpret key informant interviews and identify strategies to adapt the intervention to ensure fit with the primary care setting. We documented our stakeholder engagement methodology through comprehensive field notes and minutes from CAB meetings, detailing the focus of meetings, suggestions for intervention and delivery adaptations, decision-making processes, and how disagreements about adaptations between stakeholders were resolved. To support replicability, we specify and operationalize implementation strategies to be used across each implementation phase of the trial. Results: Key strategies involved a) ensuring that research questions are relevant to both patients and clinical providers; b) tailoring interventions that are flexible and adaptable to the needs of the local setting; c) continuous engagement of patients and providers throughout the implementation process; and d) building mutual respect, trust, and credibility between the research team, various provider groups, and patients. Conclusions: Our approach to engaging stakeholders informed an implementation blueprint to guide implementation of EBTs for PTSD in safety net hospital primary care clinics. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Research translation for military and veteran health: research, practice, policy

Military service presents unique challenges and opportunities for health care and public health. In the USA, there are over 2 million military servicemembers, 20 million veterans, and millions more military and veteran family members. Military servicemembers and eligible family members, many veterans, and retirees receive health care through the two largest learning health care systems in the USA, managed and delivered through the Departments of Defense (DoD), Veterans Affairs (VA), and contracted health care organizations. Through a network of collaborative relationships, DoD, VA, and partnering health care and research organizations (university, corporate, community, and government) accelerate research translation into best practices and policy across the USA and beyond. This article outlines military and veteran health research translation as summarized from a collaborative workshop led by experts across health care research, practice, and administration in DoD, VA, the National Institutes of Health, and affiliated universities. Key themes and recommendations for research translation are outlined in areas of: (a) stakeholder engagement and collaboration; (b) implementation science methods; and (c) funding along the translation continuum. Overall, the ability to rapidly translate research into clinical practice and policy for positive health outcomes requires collaborative relationships among many stakeholders. This includes servicemembers, veterans, and their families along with researchers, health care clinicians, and administrators, as well as policymakers and the broader population.

Adapting the "Resist Diabetes" Resistance Training Intervention for Veterans

PURPOSE

The Resist Diabetes trial demonstrated that twice-per-week resistance training reduced prediabetes prevalence and improved strength among older adults with prediabetes. Our objective was to determine initial perceptions of patients and care providers in a Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) regarding Resist Diabetes (RD), and ultimately, inform adaptations to improve uptake of RD in the Veterans Health Administration.

METHODS

A mixed-methods approach was utilized. Care providers (n=20) and veterans with prediabetes (n=12) were recruited to gauge perceptions of the RD program and identify barriers and facilitators to the program referral process and program implementation. Care provider perceptions of the acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility were determined using a validated survey. Open-ended questionnaires and interview guides, based upon the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, were utilized to determine major and minor themes within the provider and veteran responses. To identify the dissemination potential of RD, the availability of onsite fitness facilities at VAMC facilities nationally (n=159) was assessed.

RESULTS

Providers rated (scaled 1-5; 1=completely disagree, 5=completely agree) the RD program as appealing (4.8+/-0.1), appropriate (4.8+/-0.0), and feasible (4.6+/-0.2). Providers reported that prediabetes/diabetes is a significant problem in the VAMC, and that different prevention programs will appeal to different types of VAMC patients. Patients (n=12; 58% female; aged 65+/-10yrs; BMI 34+/-6 kg/m²; HbA1c 5.7+/-1.8%) expressed interest in an exercise-focused diabetes prevention program and defined key barriers: travel, transportation, and time constraints. Among the responding national VAMC sites, 85% (97/114) reported having an onsite fitness facility.

CONCLUSION

Salem VAMC care providers and veteran patients demonstrated positive perceptions of the Resist Diabetes program. Program adaptations are needed to address barriers to patient participation including travel, transportation and time constraints.