Perspectives on Enhancing Family Involvement in Treatment for PTSD

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a potentially severe and persistent
condition that affects social, occupational and family functioning, is prevalent among
returning OIF/OEF veterans. PTSD has a powerful impact on family functioning. Because good
family relationships appear to moderate its impact, while stressful relationships may reduce
the benefits of treatment, a program that enhances family functioning by assisting both
veteran and family in coping with the veteran's PTSD could directly improve the veteran's
adjustment and well-being, and indirectly improve his/her social and occupational
functioning. Effective programs for OIF/OEF veterans are urgently needed. This study will
address critical gaps in knowledge about relevant needs and preferences of OIF/OEF veterans
and families, and how best to involve families in treatment.

Objectives: The specific aim of this project is to describe the needs and preferences of
OIF/OEF service-era veterans with PTSD and their families relevant to family involvement in
care.

Methods: This is a two-site qualitative methods study that will be conducted at the Little
Rock and Oklahoma City VAMCs. The study will involve approximately 160 participants (80
veterans and 80 family members). We will use qualitative methods to identify the needs and
preferences of OIF/OEF veterans and family members, and will assess the implications of
study findings for program design. We will conduct individual and group interviews in Little
Rock and Oklahoma City with 40 male veterans. We will conduct separate individual and group
interviews in Little Rock and Oklahoma City with 40 female veterans, and with 80 family
members of participating veterans in Little Rock and Oklahoma City. Interviews will address
perceived needs, desires for family involvement in treatment, types of services that would
be attractive/unattractive, elements of alternative approaches to meeting needs that would
be attractive/unattractive, as well as logistic considerations (e.g., timing and frequency
of meetings, mode of meeting, child care). We will use the techniques of constant comparison
and content analysis to analyze interview data.

Status: Data collection is ongoing.