Examining veterans’ preferences for how to deliver couples-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: Home-based telehealth or in-person?
Research Report:
Research SummaryAPA Citation:
Wells, S. Y., Knopp, K., Ponzini, G. T., Kehle-Forbes, S. M., Gomez, R. M., Morland, L. A., Dedert, E., Jackson, G. L., & Grubbs, K. M. (2024). Examining veterans’ preferences for how to deliver couples-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder: Home-based telehealth or in-person? Psychological Services. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/ser0000836
Abstract Created by REACH:
This study explored whether Veterans preferred to receive couples-based treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in person or virtually (i.e., home-based telehealth). 166 Veterans completed questionnaires about their treatment preference and a variety of personal factors (e.g., relationship satisfaction, psychological functioning, age) potentially related to their preference. In addition, 1 short-answer question asked Veterans to briefly describe reasons for their preference, and responses were analyzed. Overall, Veterans’ preferences were almost evenly split between in-person treatment and home-based telehealth. Veterans tended to prefer each modality for distinct reasons related to comfort and privacy.
Focus:
Couples
Mental health
Programming
Branch of Service:
Multiple branches
Military Affiliation:
Veteran
Subject Affiliation:
Spouse of service member or veteran
Veteran
Population:
Adulthood (18 yrs & older)
Young adulthood (18 - 29 yrs)
Thirties (30 - 39 yrs)
Middle age (40 - 64 yrs)
Methodology:
Quantitative Study
Authors:
Wells, Stephanie Y., Knopp, Kayla, Ponzini, Gabriella T., Kehle-Forbes, Shannon M., Gomez, Rosalba M., Morland, Leslie A., Dedert, Eric, Jackson, George L., Grubbs, Kathleen M.
Abstract:
Understanding the modality by which veterans prefer to receive couples-based posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment (i.e., home-based telehealth, in-person) may increase engagement in PTSD psychotherapy. This study aimed to understand veterans’ preferred modality for couples-based PTSD treatments, individual factors associated with preference, and reasons for their preference. One hundred sixty-six veterans completed a baseline assessment as part of a clinical trial. Measures included a closed- and open-ended treatment preference questionnaire, as well as demographics, clinical symptoms, functioning, and relational measures, such as relationship satisfaction. Descriptive statistics and correlations examined factors associated with preference. An open-ended question querying veterans’ reasons for their preferred modality was coded to identify themes. Though veterans as a group had no clear modality preference (51% preferring home-based telehealth and 49% preferring in-person treatment), veterans consistently expressed high levels of preference strength in the modality they chose. The presence of children in the home was associated with stronger preference for home-based telehealth. Veterans who preferred in-person care found it to be more credible and had more positive treatment expectancies. Veterans who preferred home-based telehealth believed it was flexible and increased access to care. For both preference groups, veterans’ preferred modality was viewed as facilitating interpersonal relations and being more comfortable than the alternative modality. Veterans expressed strong preference for receiving their desired treatment modality for couples-based PTSD treatment. Results suggest that it is important to offer multiple treatment delivery options in couples-based PTSD treatment and matching couples to their preferred modality supports individualized, patient-centered care.
Publication Type:
Article
REACH Publication
Keywords:
couples therapy, posttraumatic stress disorder, PTSD
REACH Publication Type:
Research Summary
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