Timing of Enhanced Post-Deployment Screening: Exploration of Participants' Preferences and of the Associations among Timing, the Prevalence of Health Problems, and the Likelihood of Referral.

摘要

Objective: This study explores the associations among the timing of post-deployment screening, the apparent prevalence of health problems, and the likelihood of referral for further care. In addition, it explores participant preferences for the timing of enhanced post-deployment screening. Background: Better post-deployment screening has been proposed as an important strategy to decrease the burden of deployment-related health problems. The optimal timing of such screening is uncertain: If done immediately upon return, few members endorse health concerns, perhaps because of a 'honeymoon' effect in which homecoming is seen as the solution to any and all problems. Once the 'honeymoon' period is over, screening too soon risks over-identification and labelling of those with self-limited problems, while screening too late risks missing an opportunity to intervene early and prevent complications. Using data collected during the evaluation of a new, enhanced post-deployment screening process, this study explores the optimal timing in two ways: First, it explores, in a naturalistic fashion, the association of different timings with the apparent prevalence of health problems and with the likelihood of referral for further care. Second, it explores participant preferences with respect to timing, as expressed on an anonymous evaluation form.