June 2023

In This Issue: HSR&D Research on Telehealth

Measurement-Based Transition Assistance: Evaluating the Promise of a Web-Based Approach to Promote Veterans' Support Seeking

Feature Article

Takeaway: While substantial work has promoted Veterans’ use of mental healthcare, most intervention strategies target the needs of Veterans with chronic functional impairment and poor health rather than Veterans who experience initial challenges as they adapt to post-military life. This ongoing study is examining the potential benefit of web-based Measurement-Based Transition Assistance to promote Veterans’ help-seeking by providing individualized feedback and recommendations for relevant programs, services, and supports.

There is growing recognition that Veterans’ broader vocational, financial, and social circumstances have substantial implications for their health and healthcare. Although some Veterans seek help when they experience challenges in these areas, many do not—sometimes due to a lack of knowledge regarding how severe challenges must be to warrant help-seeking and what resources are available. Left unaddressed, Veterans’ challenges might escalate and negatively influence more aspects of their lives over time.

While most intervention strategies target the needs of Veterans with chronic functional impairment and poor health, this ongoing study (January 2022–September 2023) is examining the potential benefit of Measurement-Based Transition Assistance (MBTA), which may most benefit Veterans who experience initial readjustment challenges as they adapt to post-military life. MBTA is a web-based well-being assessment and resource referral tool that provides individualized feedback on areas in which Veterans would benefit from support, along with personalized recommendations for relevant programs and services.

This study aims to:

• Refine MBTA based on input from VA stakeholders (n=6) and qualitative interviews with Veterans (n=12), with a focus on determining the optimal approach for presenting results and recommended resources.
• Test MBTA in a sample of 60 Veterans to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of MBTA in promoting Veterans’ support-seeking.

Methods

Following refinement of MBTA based on feedback from VA stakeholders and Veterans, a national sample of Veterans who have recently left military service will be randomized to receive MBTA or an assessment only. After completing well-being assessments, Veterans in the MBTA group will receive a user-friendly, web-based report that summarizes areas of unmet need and provides tailored recommendations for relevant resources. Feasibility and acceptability will be evaluated based on participation and completion rates, as well as satisfaction and usability ratings. Researchers will also examine preliminary evidence for effectiveness by comparing pre- and post-changes in support-seeking outcomes for Veterans in the intervention and control conditions.

Findings are not yet available.

Anticipated Impact

If effective, this scalable, population-based intervention strategy could be used independently or in conjunction with other help-seeking promotion approaches to interrupt high-risk trajectories before they lead to chronic maladjustment and risk for suicide.

Principal Investigator

Dawne Vogt, PhD, is an investigator with the Women’s Health Sciences Division of the National Center for PTSD and the Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research in Boston.

View study abstract.