Presenters
- Jennifer Funderburk, PhD, Clinical Research Psychologist, VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse, NY
- Jeffrey Cigrang, PhD, Professor, Director of Clinical Training, The School of Professional Psychology, Oakwood, OH
- Nicholas Livingston, PhD, Clinical Psychologist, National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA
Summary
Want to stay up to date with the most current evidence regarding brief interventions that can be utilized by Behavioral Health Consultant (BHC) to assist primary care patients? This presentation will share evidence from three completed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted on brief interventions designed for primary care patients in the DoD/VHA in the past three years. Each presenter will briefly share the results of their published research and then translate it into specific suggestions based on the research to improve your clinical practice. First, Dr. Funderburk will present the results of a RCT that examined brief behavioral activation (2 30-minute appointments, 2 boosters) compared to usual care provided by BHCs in 140 Veterans experiencing depressive symptoms. The results suggest that brief behavioral activation has promise as an intervention for BHCs due to its impact on quality of life, functioning, and patient engagement, but more research is needed. Then, she will use the data from the trial to provide specific suggestions for BHCs in their clinical practice regarding the initial assessment of depression to the components of the intervention. Second, Dr. Cigrang and colleagues will present the results of a RCT that examined an adaptation to the Marriage Check-Up compared to a waitlist control in 244 married couples, in which one member was active duty. Significant improvements in relationship satisfaction, communication skills, and other relationship domains provide evidence that this brief intervention may be an option when patients are interested in couples interventions. Then, he will share specific suggestions for the BHCs in their clinical practice based on the evidence when working with couples. Third, Dr. Livingston will present the results of a RCT that examined a computerized relational agent, who conducted a screening for alcohol use and provided a brief intervention and 1-month follow-up if appropriate. Among the 178 Veterans assigned to the relational agent versus usual care were more likely to receive a brief alcohol intervention and report lower number of alcohol consequences, but drinking outcomes were the same. Then, he will share specific suggestions on how BHCs can utilize evidence-based practices when meeting with patients reporting at-risk alcohol use.
Objectives
- Describe the results of the three RCTs examining three brief interventions (brief BA-PC, Marriage Check-up, and relational agent) for IPC
- Identify specific ways to learn from the RCT on the Marriage Check-Up and BA-PC and apply the evidence in clinical practice
- Identify specific ways to adopt more evidence-based practices to address at-risk alcohol use.