MIRECC / CoE

Publication Highlights

Articles and books authored by our affiliates enable us to share research and knowledge about mental health treatment with our Veteran, caregiver, provider and research communities.

Highlighted Articles

Dr. Angie Waliski coauthored an article on implementing Zero Suicide in emergency departments in Evaluation and Program Planning. The study assessed providers’ knowledge of suicide prevention practices and identified barriers and facilitators to implementing Zero Suicide. Findings showed that while providers had the knowledge and self-efficacy needed to implement the program, some elements were not implemented consistently. Also, implementation barriers were encountered at multiple levels. Authors concluded that targeted implementation strategies are needed in the areas of electronic health record systems, leadership, and ongoing staff training.

Drs. Jenn Bryan (first author) and Ali Abbas Asghar-Ali published an article on developing and disseminating a Veteran-centric wellness guide in Progress in Community Health Partnerships. The authors created and tested the self-guided resource with a Veteran Engagement Group before working with VHA on a community dissemination plan. Veterans found the guide highly useful and needed in the Veteran community. Authors concluded that partnering with Veterans in the creation of the guide led to a Veteran-centric product tailored to meet their unique wellness needs. Download the guide at https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn16/veteran-wellness-guide.asp.

Drs. Taylor Ceroni (first author), Chelsea Ennis and Laurel Franklin authored a paper on the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on intimate partner violence (IPV) in Couple and Family Psychology. Their paper discusses reasons for a rise in IPV experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and current and future opportunities for prevention and intervention.

Drs. Terri Fletcher (first author), Derrecka Boykin, Darius Dawson, Tony Ecker, Ellen Teng, Jan Lindsay and Natalie Hundt published an article on video telehealth-delivered exposure and response prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder in rural Veterans in Military Psychology. Authors conducted a pilot trial of exposure and response prevention treatment over video telehealth. Study participants had significantly reduced OCD and PTSD symptoms after completing treatment. Therapists reported that seeing patients’ home environments helped them understand their symptoms and identify relevant OCD exposures. Results suggest that video telehealth-delivered ERP is feasible and acceptable to patients and therapists and promising for reducing OCD symptoms.

Drs. Traci Abraham, Jeffrey Pyne and Ellen Teng coauthored a paper on enhancing problem-solving therapy using the Moving Forward smartphone app in Psychiatric Services. Study participants received six sessions of problem solving therapy with either the app or a workbook. Both groups reported high satisfaction and reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress. The app was also perceived as valuable with the potential to reduce barriers to accessing care.

Last updated: May 19, 2022