Medical College of Wisconsin
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"Pitching" posttraumatic stress disorder treatment: A qualitative study of how providers discuss evidence-based psychotherapies with patients. J Trauma Stress 2024 Dec;37(6):901-912

Date

05/30/2024

Pubmed ID

38812334

Pubmed Central ID

PMC11629834

DOI

10.1002/jts.23058

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85194825798 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   2 Citations

Abstract

The two widely available evidence-based psychotherapies (EBPs) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure. Although the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has invested in intensive clinical training to provide these first-line treatments, most military veterans do not receive these therapies. Prior research indicates that patient interest and motivation depend on how patients are educated, and differences in how information is presented shape their decision-making. To our knowledge, no studies have addressed how clinicians "pitch" EBPs for PTSD and examined whether certain approaches are more effective than others. We recorded and thematically analyzed 25 treatment planning sessions across 10 VA sites in the United States to better understand how providers talk to patients about treatment options. Five themes were identified: using rich description, integrating various forms of questioning to engage the patient, sharing prior patient success stories, using inviting and direct language, and tailoring therapy talk to fit patient needs. Providers learning to offer EBPs can use these strategies to serve as a "menu" of options that will allow them to present EBPs in a way that appeals to a particular patient.

Author List

Hooyer K, Hamblen J, Kehle-Forbes SM, Larsen SE

Author

Sadie E. Larsen PhD Associate Professor in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine department at Medical College of Wisconsin




MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Evidence-Based Practice
Female
Humans
Implosive Therapy
Male
Middle Aged
Professional-Patient Relations
Psychotherapy
Qualitative Research
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic
United States
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans