Mission Reconnect: Exploring the Mobile and Web Based Complementary and Integrative Health Program Experience for Veterans with Chronic Pain and PTSD and Their Partners

Abstract

<h3>Research Objectives</h3> There is a global trend in healthcare towards non-pharmacological and complementary and integrative approaches to health (CIH). The primary objective of this poster is to present the experience of veterans with chronic pain and PTSD and their partners with a remotely delivered CIH education program. <h3>Design</h3> A parent four year, mixed methods randomized control trial proposed to conduct telephone interviews with a subsample of veteran and partner intervention dyads. Transcripts were analyzed using a content analysis. Data in this poster represent preliminary findings from 13 dyads that have been interviewed to date. <h3>Setting</h3> Three Veterans Administration Medical Centers recruited participants from surrounding areas, resulting in recruitment from 12 states. <h3>Participants</h3> Veterans with chronic pain and PTSD, and their selected partners (e.g., spouse, child). <h3>Interventions</h3> The Mission Reconnect program is a partnered, self-directed intervention which teaches CIH skills (e.g., meditation, partnered massage) remotely using mobile and web-based mediums. <h3>Main Outcome Measure(s)</h3> Main outcomes are physical and mental, overall quality of life for veterans; and social relationship with partners. <h3>Results</h3> Participants reported improvements in physical, mental, overall quality of life for veterans; and social relationship with partners. Veterans reported improvements in sleep quality, pain management, and anxiety and PTSD symptoms. For veterans and partners, respondents reported improvements in quality of life, including feeling energized, refreshed, centered, and relaxed; and enhanced relationships, including increase in quality time spent together, and expression of affection. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Veterans and their partners reported Mission Reconnect is an effective approach to "reconnecting with life." Online and mobile CIH approaches should be considered for other diverse patient populations and partners, who will benefit from ongoing self-care management. Future research should examine cost-effectiveness of such approaches and broadscale implementation. <h3>Author Disclosures</h3> None disclosed.