Publications by authors named "Hari H Venkatachalam"

Article Synopsis
  • The study focuses on nonpharmacological interventions to support veterans dealing with chronic pain and PTSD, particularly through the online program Mission Reconnect (MR).
  • A total of 364 veteran-partner pairs participated in a randomized controlled trial, where outcomes such as pain, PTSD, depression, and quality of life were measured, alongside qualitative feedback from a smaller group.
  • Results indicated no major changes in overall symptoms; however, the MR group experienced notable decreases in pain interference with mood and sleep, suggesting some positive effects of the intervention despite mixed overall outcomes.
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Background: Increasing access to nonpharmacological interventions to manage pain and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is essential for veterans. Complementary and integrative health (CIH) interventions can help individuals manage symptom burden with enhanced accessibility via remotely delivered health care. Mission Reconnect (MR) is a partnered, self-directed intervention that remotely teaches CIH skills.

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Background: Chronic pain is a highly prevalent health condition among veterans. Traditional pharmacological interventions present unique challenges for chronic pain management including prescription opioid addiction and overdose. In alignment with the 2016 Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act and VA's Stepped Care Model to meet veterans' pain management needs, the Offices of Rural Health and Pain Management, Opioid Safety, and Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PMOP) funded an enterprise-wide initiative to implement a Step 3 integrated tele-pain program: Empower Veterans Program (EVP).

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Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for rapid uptake of virtual care through the use of virtual health resources (VHR). In the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Healthcare System, virtual care has been critical to maintaining healthcare access for patients during COVID-19. In the current study we describe primary care patient aligned care team (PACT) VHR use patterns within one VA medical center (i.

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Background: A proactive approach to delivering care using virtual resources, while reducing in-person contact, is needed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective: In the current study we describe pre- to post- COVID-19 pandemic onset related changes in electronic delivery of primary care.

Methods: A longitudinal, pre-post within-subjects design was used.

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The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) screens veterans who deployed in support of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and mental health (MH) disorders. Chronic symptoms after mild TBI overlap with MH symptoms, for which there are already established screens within the VHA. It is unclear whether the TBI screen facilitates treatment for appropriate specialty care over and beyond the MH screens.

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Introduction: Transforming Health and Resilience through Integration of Values-based Experiences (THRIVE) is a complimentary and integrative health program. THRIVE is delivered through shared medical appointments where participants engage in provider-led education and group discussion on wellness-related topics. THRIVE has been associated with improved patient-reported outcomes in a female veteran cohort.

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