Hospital Invites OIF/OEF Veterans to help fellow Veterans

HARTFORD HOSPITAL INVITES OIF/OEF VETERANS TO PARTICIPATE IN A STUDY TO HELP FELLOW VETERANS

Hartford Hospital in Hartford, Connecticut is investigating a state-of-the art technology designed to assist OIF/OEF Veterans with post-deployment stress. The study combines Virtual Reality with an effective program for post-deployment stress that is approved to be grade A by the Veterans Health Administration Department of Defense.

Post-deployment stress is one of the most common problems among soldiers and marines returning from active duty in Iraq or Afghanistan, with as many as 18% of returning OIF/OEF Veterans experiencing post-deployment stress. Common signs of post-deployment stress include nightmares, sleep and concentration problems, being easily irritated, difficulty getting along with family and friends, and having problems on the job. Although these reactions are common and normal after deployment, some Veterans continue to have difficulty adjusting to civilian life. Programs are available to assist these Veterans; however, recent studies have found that the Veterans that would most benefit from such programs are the least likely to enroll in these programs.

In an effort to improve the accessibility of programs for post-deployment stress, Hartford Hospital is conducting a study to understand Veterans’ perceptions about various programs for post-deployment stress. “We want to hear from Veterans themselves, about what they think sounds effective for post-deployment stress; what they would recommend to a buddy with post-deployment stress,” states Dr. Gilliam, co-investigator of the study. “We think that feedback from Veterans themselves is much needed to improve current care for our returning Veterans.” The goal of the study is to improve available programs so that they will be more acceptable to returning Veterans.

All OIF/OEF Veterans, with or without post-deployment stress are invited to participate in the study to evaluate different programs, including the Virtual Reality Program. Participation in this study takes about 4-6 hours, and Veterans are compensated $20 per hour for their time, up to $120.

Veterans who are experiencing post-deployment stress can also participate in the 6 week Virtually Reality Program designed specifically for OIF/OEF Veterans. The goal of this program is to lessen many of the common problems following deployment, such as sleep problems, concentration, and anger.

For both studies, confidentiality is strictly maintained. Information from the study will not appear on military records, including whether any Veteran has participated in or inquired about any of our studies.

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Interested Veterans can contact:
Chris Gilliam
(860) 545-7301
[email protected]
or visit the study website at: http://www.instituteofliving.org/ADC/VRVeteransResearch.htm

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