Banerjea R, VACO; Kearney D, Puget Sound; Polusny M, Minneapolis; Taylor SL, Greater Los Angeles VA; Reinhard M, Washington DC; Lorenz K, Palo Alto;
Workshop Objectives:
This session will provide participants with the latest VA-funded research on complementary and integrative medicine (CIM, formerly known as complementary and alternative medicine/CAM), which is one strategy for improving Veterans' chronic health conditions, such as pain, suicide prevention and substance use, as addressed in VHA's Blueprint for Excellence, Strategy 7J on CIM. It also will provide guidance for HSR&D researchers interested in pursuing this type of research in their own portfolios.
Activities:
Two presenters will review their randomized controlled trials of mindfulness-interventions, one to treat Gulf War Veterans with chronic multi-symptom illness and the second to treat Veterans’ PTSD. The third presenter will address the facilitators and challenges that VAMCs across the nation have faced in implementing various CIM modalities and strategies they have used to overcome those challenges. Another presenter will review the approaches to CIM research and implementation being used at Washington DC VAMC.
Target Audience:
Clinicians, investigators and policymakers interested in learning about CIM approaches to treating Veterans or issues related to CIM implementation or research.
Assumed Audience Familiarity with Topic:
Minimal familiarity with content.