Exploratory Analysis of Factors Surrounding Aeromedical Evacuation (Patient Movement) from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF) Focusing on Placement of Wounded Warriors in US/CONUS-based Military Treatment Facilities (MTFs)

Abstract

Abstract : This study is a broad exploratory analysis of data collected on Wounded Warriors regulated from Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom for Fiscal Year (FY) 2006. Data were obtained from a database (n=86) of personal interviews conducted by Brooke Army Medical Center (BAMC) of Wounded Warriors receiving care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) during a period of August through October of 2006 that possessed the potential to be further regulated to BAMC. In addition, data were extracted from the Amputee Care Program database (n=224) maintained jointly by the Amputee Care Center at WRAMC and the Amputee Care Center at BAMC. Further, background data demographics were taken from the Transportation Command (TRANSCOM) Regulating and Command & Control System (TRAC2ES) and Joint Patient Tracking Application (JPTA). The purpose of this research project was to examine some of the factors and demographics that affect the final Medical Treatment Facility (MTF) destination for Wounded Warriors evacuated from Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom for Fiscal Year (FY) 2006. The Unit of Analysis (UoA) for this study is the individual Wounded Warrior or defined as a wounded servicemen or servicewoman who serves in the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard. 38 of the 86 Wounded Warriors interviewed at WRAMC (44.19%) had a Duty Station (DS) within the Western Region (WR) of the Continental United States (CONUS). 64 (74.40%) had a current Home of Record (HOR) that also fell within the WR. With the increased pressure on the Military Health System, and WRAMC in particular, evidence suggests that larger numbers of Wounded Warriors require regulation to the MTF closest to their Duty Station or Home of Record earlier in the evacuation process.