Health Coaching for Veteran Reintegration

Overseen By Katie McDonald, BS

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Disqualifiers: Institutionalized, Cognitive impairment, Psychosis, Suicide risk, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 4 months

95 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Health coaches help people focus on goals, identify strengths and values, and work towards building the life they wish to live. Health coaching may be especially helpful for people navigating a life transition, such as Veterans who recently separated from military service (i.e., reintegrating Veterans). In this pilot trial the investigators will 1) examine the feasibility of study procedures and acceptability of health coaching among reintegrating Veterans, 2) evaluate measures for suitability in a future trial that will examine efficacy of the intervention, 3) determine barriers and facilitators to implementing the intervention among reintegrating Veterans.

Research Team

Lauren M. Denneson, PhD

Principal Investigator

VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for U.S. military veterans who have recently separated from service and are navigating the transition back to civilian life. They must be able to read and understand English, not live in an institution like a nursing home or prison, not currently experiencing psychosis or at acute risk for suicide, and without significant cognitive impairment.

Inclusion Criteria

United States military Veterans recently separated from service

Exclusion Criteria

Cognitive impairment as indicated by a score equal to or greater than 10 on the Short Blessed Test

Currently experiencing psychosis as indicated by endorsing thought interference or hallucinations on the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire

At acute risk for suicide as indicated by the P4 screener

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive up to 12 sessions of health coaching and printed materials on VA benefits

4 months

Up to 12 sessions (in-person or virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

5 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Health Coaching

Trial Overview The trial is testing whether health coaching can help reintegrating veterans by focusing on their goals and values as they adjust to civilian life. It will also assess how feasible and acceptable this approach is among the participants, evaluate measures for future trials, and identify any barriers or facilitators.

Participant Groups

Group I: Health Coaching Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Receipt of up to 12 sessions of health coaching, plus printed materials providing information on VA benefits

Group II: VA Benefits Information Active Control 1 Intervention

Receipt of printed materials providing information on VA benefits

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,691

Recruited

3,759,000+

VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System

Collaborator

Trials

2

Recruited

350+

University of Michigan

Collaborator

Trials

1,891

Recruited

6,458,000+