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The Importance of Understanding Military Culture in Delivering Mental Health Care to Veterans: An Educational Intervention and Toolkit to Inform and Assist Civilian Providers

Abstract
Abstract Background and Review of Literature: United States Veterans are a unique population of individuals who require specialized mental health care. A review of literature revealed the Veteran population is primarily treated by civilian providers in the community who are often unaware of the impact of military culture on Veterans. Since this lack of awareness can be very disruptive to treatment and ultimately to the healing process, there is a need for advocacy related to the cultural ramifications of military service. Purpose: The DNP project goal was to increase civilian provider knowledge of the Veteran’s experience. Method: The project was developed and executed over a one-year period and included an education intervention of a one hour long Military Culture Curriculum with Toolkit for 36 civilian providers who are caring for Veterans in community mental health clinics. Civilian providers were issued identical surveys before and after an educational intervention. The Toolkit was provided via email after the zoom session for “at your figure tip” access to the screening tool. Results: The results were analyzed using a paired t-test, and included qualitative results from written and verbal participant feedback. Although the survey results were not statistically significant, results were overwhelmingly positive and affirmed that the education was important and well received. Implications/Conclusion: Civilian providers who are educated regarding military culture will have better insight and knowledge to improve advocacy and care for the Veteran population.
Type
open
article
Date
2021-01-01
Publisher
Degree
Rights
License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/