Automating Behavioral Health Screening - Addressing Risk Communication Electronically

摘要

The Army has identified the need for early and robust screening of Soldiers for a variety of health risk behaviors. Behavioral health factors are a key component of this. This report presents mental health screening data for 2,882 Soldiers seeking services at a military facility outpatient behavioral health clinic and 3,451 Soldiers screened 90 days following return from OIF deployment. The screening was completed via scanning software and has more recently been updated to a completed automated kiosk system. PTSD and depression were the most commonly identified disorders, followed by alcohol abuse. Screening positive for multiple symptom domains was common, with over 60% of the clinical sample screening positive for more than one clinical symptom domain. Clinical implications include the development of treatment approaches that address multiple diagnoses. Future research efforts in outpatient screening will assist in the design of clinical interventions. Comprehensive screening that leverages technology in a military setting is useful in case identification and in guiding clinician assessment and treatment efforts. Such a standardized approach enhances efficiency and ensures that all critical domains are addressed. Technology could potentially be leveraged even further in the form of online screening, psychoeducational tools, CBT modules, and virtual reality tools for assessment and treatment of combat-related symptoms.