Articles: health.
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Meta Analysis
Prevalence of PTSD in Active Duty Members with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly mild TBI (mTBI), is a significant health concern for U.S. active duty service members (ADSMs), with potential implications for psychiatric outcomes including PTSD. Despite recognizing this association, the prevalence of PTSD among ADSMs with mTBI remains unclear. ⋯ Methodological differences, including diagnostic criteria variability, contribute to the observed variability in prevalence estimates. Despite methodological challenges, this study provides crucial insights into the pooled prevalence of comorbid PTSD and mTBI within the military, emphasizing the need for standardized methodologies and further research to refine understanding and support strategies for affected individuals.
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A substantial number of trauma-exposed veterans seen in primary care report significant symptoms of PTSD and depression. While primary care mental health integration (PCMHI) providers have been successful in delivering brief mental health treatments in primary care, few studies have evaluated interventions that combine mobile health resources with PCMHI groups. This pilot study assessed the potential benefits of webSTAIR, a 10-module transdiagnostic treatment for trauma-exposed individuals, supported by 5 biweekly group sessions delivered via telehealth. The transdiagnostic and mobile health nature of the treatment, as well as the therapist and peer support provided through group sessions, may offer an innovative approach to increasing access to patient-centered and trauma-informed treatment in primary care settings. ⋯ Good outcomes and a satisfactory retention rate suggest that group webSTAIR may provide easily accessible, high-quality, and effective treatment for patients presenting with trauma-related problems without increasing therapist or system burdens. The results suggest the value of conducting a randomized controlled trial to test the effectiveness of group webSTAIR relative to PCMHI usual care or other evidence-based, disorder-specific (e.g., PTSD) treatments for trauma-exposed individuals in PCMHI.
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Comparative Study
A Pilot Study Using a Standardized Trauma Assessment Tool After Tactical Combat Casualty Care Course: A Comparison of the United States and Ghana.
Assessment, monitoring, and evaluation have been a required part of Global Health Engagement but difficult to accomplish. The current assessment, monitoring, and evaluation frameworks require implementation at the start of the project and are not designed to use for already existing programs. Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) is a standardized course now offered in 89 countries, but there has not been a standardized method of evaluating the quality across programs. Ghana's TCCC program began in March 2022 and provides a platform for development of a new method of evaluation globally. ⋯ This study demonstrates use of a standardized scenario with graded checklist to compare between international programs. This can be used to and expanded to compare programs and support quality assurance and medical interoperability.