The proposed study involves developing and evaluating an interactive, web-based CBT intervention for OEF/OIF Veterans with hazardous or problematic substance use and PTSD symptoms (PTSD or subsyndromal PTSD). The intervention will address the special culture and experiences of the investigators targeted population (OEF/OIF Veterans). The web-based CBT intervention includes 24 modules, to be used across 24 sessions targeting OEF/OIF Veterans with hazardous or problematic substance use and PTSD symptoms. The investigators ask participants to complete 2 sessions per week (one module per session) for 12 weeks. The first 18 modules to be completed across 18 sessions (9 weeks) are considered core modules relevant to all Veterans in the target population. These modules are designed to reduce posttraumatic stress symptoms as well as reduce and prevent the escalation of problematic substance use. The remaining 6 module topics are considered "optional" and are used based on the interest and clinical need of various sub-groups of VA patients. The study includes initial input as well as feedback on a beta version from experts who have worked with OEF/OIF veterans with PTSD and substance abuse problems as well as input/feedback from the target population (the Veterans themselves). In addition to presenting content grounded in evidence-based CBT interventions, the program also employs state of the art technologies to deliver module content grounded in evidence-based learning principles, including Computer-Assisted Instruction, Computer Simulation and other interactive exercises.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
216
Participants in this condition will be asked to complete 24 CBT sessions, 2 sessions/topics per week for 12 weeks. We expect that each session will be approximately 30 minutes in duration. Participants will be asked to complete the 18 "core modules" of the program during the first 9 weeks of the trial and then to re-visit important modules and complete optional modules of their choice during the final 3 weeks of the trial. They can choose to do this using a designated computer in a private room at their local VA or can complete these sessions in the privacy of their own home with their personally-owned computers. Participants can choose to complete each session on any day/time of their choosing in a given week.
Buffalo VA Medical Center
Buffalo, New York, United States
RECRUITINGSyracuse VA Medical Center
Syracuse, New York, United States
RECRUITINGPTSD Symptomatology
Comparing baseline score of the PCL-M to 12 weeks score
Time frame: 12 weeks
PTSD Symptomatology
Comparing baseline score of the PCL-M to score 1 month post-intervention discharge
Time frame: 1 month post-intervention
PTSD Symptomatology
Comparing baseline score of the PCL-M to score 3 months post-intervention
Time frame: 3 months post-intervention
Alcohol and Drug Use
Comparing baseline score of the Timeline Follow-back (TLFB)to 12 weeks score
Time frame: 12 weeks
Alcohol and Drug Use
Comparing baseline TLFB score to score 1 month post-intervention
Time frame: 1 month post-intervention
Alcohol and Drug Use
Comparing baseline TLFB score to score 3 month post-intervention
Time frame: 3 month post-intervention
Quality of Life
Comparing baseline EuroQOl and WHOQOL-Bref scores to scores at 12 weeks
Time frame: 12 weeks
Quality of Life
Comparing baseline EuroQOl and WHOQOL-Bref scores to scores at 1 month post-intervention
Time frame: 1 month post-intervention
Quality of Life
Comparing baseline EuroQOl and WHOQOL-Bref scores to scores at 3 months post-intervention
Time frame: 3 month post-intervention
Cost-Effectiveness
Cost-effectiveness of web-based intervention compared to standard care, as measured by the Brief DATCAP, EuroQol EQ5D, and Non-Study Medical and Other Services (NSMS) scales
Time frame: 12 weeks
Resiliency and Positive Affect
Comparing baseline Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Positive Affect Negative Affect Scale (PANAS)scores to scores at 12 weeks
Time frame: 12 weeks
Resiliency and Positive Affect
Comparing baseline Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Positive Affect Negative Affect Scale (PANAS)scores to scores at 1 month post-intervention
Time frame: 1 month post-intervention
Resiliency and Positive Affect
Comparing baseline Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) and the Positive Affect Negative Affect Scale (PANAS)scores to scores at 3 months post-intervention
Time frame: 3 months post-intervention
Insomnia
Comparing baseline Insomnia Severity Index (ISI)score to score at 12 weeks
Time frame: 12 weeks
Insomnia
Comparing baseline score on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to score at 1 month post-intervention
Time frame: 1 month post-intervention
Insomnia
Comparing baseline score on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) to score at 3 month post-intervention
Time frame: 3 months post-intervention
Psychological Distress
Comparing baseline score on the 10-item version of Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) to score at 12 weeks
Time frame: 12 weeks
Psychological Distress
Comparing baseline score on the 10-item version of Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) to score at 1 month post-intervention
Time frame: 1 month post-intervention
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Psychological Distress
Comparing baseline score on the 10-item version of Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) to score at 3 months post-intervention
Time frame: 3 months post-intervention
Pain Severity and Pain Interference
Comparing baseline score on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) to score at 12 weeks
Time frame: 12 weeks
Pain Severity and Pain Interference
Comparing baseline score on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) to score at 1 month post-intervention
Time frame: 1 month post-intervention
Pain Severity and Pain Interference
Comparing baseline score on the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) to score at 3 months post-intervention
Time frame: 3 months post-intervention
Treatment Satisfaction
As measured using visual analog scales assessing participant's impressions of how useful, interesting, etc. their treatment has been.
Time frame: 12 weeks