Veterans with history of mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder: challenges from provider perspective.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has separate clinical structures and care processes for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, because veterans are returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with TBI (most frequently mild TBI [mTBI]) and PTSD, the VA needs to evaluate current service delivery systems. We conducted key informant interviews with 40 providers from across the United States who represented separate clinical teams providing specialized TBI or PTSD services.

Antibody response to hepatitis B vaccine in substance use disorder patients.

The objectives of this study were to assess the prevalence of prognostic factors previously known to be associated with poor antibody response to hepatitis B vaccination in a sample of veterans presenting for substance use disorders treatment at a Veterans Health Administration (VA) Medical Center, assess vaccination response, and identify markers for poor response in this population. Results indicated that most participants had multiple prognostic factors previously known to be associated with poor antibody response including male gender, age over 40, smoking, and obesity. The rate of seroconversion in this sample was 51.

Communicating information to families of polytrauma patients: a narrative literature review.

Family caregivers of U.S. servicemembers with polytraumatic injuries (injuries to multiple body systems) need support and information to care for their family members.