Helping Severely Injured Soldiers Participate Fully in Society

摘要

Work, family and participation in the community are key ingredients for having a satisfying and productive life. In order to continue to serve the needs of all severely injured service members, it is necessary to consider the effectiveness of current programs and services and how future medical and rehabilitation services should be structured and delivered. A group of 34 veterans with disabilities completed questionnaires and interviews during the 2008 National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic (sponsored by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Disabled American Veterans). Individual characteristics, including demographics, disability and functional status, previous employment and education, co-morbid conditions, and other factors are being analyzed in relation to vocational and community integration outcomes. Qualitative analysis of open-ended interview questions is ongoing. The structured interview questionnaire has been examined and is in the process of being revised, in a continuing effort to improve the interview process. The questionnaire and structured interview are expected to be used for future information gathering to track vocational rehabilitation and community reintegration outcomes and to explore the factors that influence those outcomes.