VA Residential Provider Perceptions of Dissuading Factors to the Use of Two Evidence-Based PTSD Treatments

• Published in: Professional psychology, research and practice Vol. 45; no. 2; p. 136
• Main Authors: Cook, Joan M, Dinnen, Stephanie, Simiola, Vanessa, Thompson, Richard, Schnurr, Paula P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.04.2014
• Subjects: evidence-based treatment; posttraumatic stress disorder; provider perspectives
• ISSN: 0735-7028; 1939-1323
• DOI: 10.1037/a0036183

Providers ( = 198) from 38 Department of Veterans Affairs residential posttraumatic stress disorder treatment programs across the United States completed qualitative interviews regarding implementation of 2 evidence-based treatments: prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy. As part of this investigation, providers were asked how they decide which patients are appropriate for these treatments. Many indicated that they did not perceive any patient factors that dissuade their use of either evidence-based treatment. However, 3 broad categories emerged surrounding reasons that patients were perceived to be less suitable candidates for the treatments: the presence of psychiatric comorbidities, cognitive limitations, and low levels of patient motivation. Interestingly, providers' perceived reasons for limited or nonuse of a treatment did not correspond entirely to those espoused by treatment developers. Possible solutions to address provider concerns, including educational and motivational interventions, are noted.