U.S. Army Korea (Historical Image Archive)
Screening Program helps Soldiers stay safe
Learn More About U.S. Army in Korea
Screening Program helps Soldiers stay safe
By Harvey Hall
hall.harvey@amedd.army.mil
YONGSAN GARRISON - Yongsan Health Clinic started a new screening program in July, 2011. The Re-Engineering Systems of Primary Care and Treatment in the Military (RESPECT-MIL) program is designed to screen service members, including KATUSAs, for depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This program first started at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and is now present in 32 out of 37 Army posts, to include overseas locations in Europe and Korea. Since the program’s inception in 2007, over 1.1 million visits were screened for depression and PTSD. About 13 percent of those visits were positive for either a possible depression and/or PTSD assessment. Of those who had positive screens, about 1 percent had a risk for suicide.
Initial screening is provided by medics and nurses. The screening information is then presented to the primary care manager (PCM) who can determine if any treatment options are needed. Each case is individualized, confidential and assessed according to the needs of the service member.
A key feature of the program is telephonic interaction with a nurse care facilitator; Once a month and as needed calls with a trusted nurse advocate assists the service member with adherence to the treatment plan that was worked out with the service member and the PCM. The nurse communicates with the patient, PCM and Behavioral Health Specialists’ to maximize adherence and service member well-being. The goal of the program is remission.
Currently, the screening process has yielded patients in the program who are progressing towards remission. Although the treatment plans vary for each individual, most patients respond within the first few months. The benefit of treatment from the PCM and monitoring from the Nurse Care Facilitator for the soldier is often far-reaching, impacting both the soldier and his/her loved ones.
Lt. Col. Amal Chatila, the Yongsan Health Clinic Officer-In-Charge (OIC) and a Family Nurse Practitioner, highlights the key program features: an objective method of screening for depression and PTSD, the patient is treated by their PCM, and there is interaction with the nurse care facilitator. Without this additional screening, some service members may be experiencing signs and symptoms that may have been previously undetectable, or unnoticeable by even the service member.
Finally, the Yongsan Health Clinic staff is committed to service members and their healthcare needs, and “our team stands ready to make a positive difference,” states LTC Chatila.
The RESPECT-MIL program expects to expand throughout the Korean Peninsula in the coming year, as other military services intend to incorporate this program in the near future.
For more information and questions, contact the RESPECT-MIL office at DSN 725-5119 or visit: www.pdhealth.mil/respect-mil/index.asp.
Screening Program helps Soldiers stay safe
Learn More About U.S. Army in Korea
Screening Program helps Soldiers stay safe
By Harvey Hall
hall.harvey@amedd.army.mil
YONGSAN GARRISON - Yongsan Health Clinic started a new screening program in July, 2011. The Re-Engineering Systems of Primary Care and Treatment in the Military (RESPECT-MIL) program is designed to screen service members, including KATUSAs, for depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
This program first started at Fort Bragg, North Carolina and is now present in 32 out of 37 Army posts, to include overseas locations in Europe and Korea. Since the program’s inception in 2007, over 1.1 million visits were screened for depression and PTSD. About 13 percent of those visits were positive for either a possible depression and/or PTSD assessment. Of those who had positive screens, about 1 percent had a risk for suicide.
Initial screening is provided by medics and nurses. The screening information is then presented to the primary care manager (PCM) who can determine if any treatment options are needed. Each case is individualized, confidential and assessed according to the needs of the service member.
A key feature of the program is telephonic interaction with a nurse care facilitator; Once a month and as needed calls with a trusted nurse advocate assists the service member with adherence to the treatment plan that was worked out with the service member and the PCM. The nurse communicates with the patient, PCM and Behavioral Health Specialists’ to maximize adherence and service member well-being. The goal of the program is remission.
Currently, the screening process has yielded patients in the program who are progressing towards remission. Although the treatment plans vary for each individual, most patients respond within the first few months. The benefit of treatment from the PCM and monitoring from the Nurse Care Facilitator for the soldier is often far-reaching, impacting both the soldier and his/her loved ones.
Lt. Col. Amal Chatila, the Yongsan Health Clinic Officer-In-Charge (OIC) and a Family Nurse Practitioner, highlights the key program features: an objective method of screening for depression and PTSD, the patient is treated by their PCM, and there is interaction with the nurse care facilitator. Without this additional screening, some service members may be experiencing signs and symptoms that may have been previously undetectable, or unnoticeable by even the service member.
Finally, the Yongsan Health Clinic staff is committed to service members and their healthcare needs, and “our team stands ready to make a positive difference,” states LTC Chatila.
The RESPECT-MIL program expects to expand throughout the Korean Peninsula in the coming year, as other military services intend to incorporate this program in the near future.
For more information and questions, contact the RESPECT-MIL office at DSN 725-5119 or visit: www.pdhealth.mil/respect-mil/index.asp.