What I have changed my mind about and why: public health and technology perspectives in the field of trauma studies

Abstract

Background: This paper is based on a panel discussion at the 32nd annual meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies in Dallas, Texas, in November 2016. Objective: Paula Schnurr convened a panel of experts in the fields of public health and technology to address the topic: ‘What I have changed my mind about and why.’ Method: The panel included Richard Bryant, Lucy Berliner, Dean Kilpatrick, Albert (‘Skip’) Rizzo, and Josef Ruzek. Results: Panellists discussed innovative strategies for the dissemination of scientific knowledge and evidence-based treatment. Conclusions: Although there are effective treatments, there is a need to enhance the effectiveness of these treatments. There also is a need to develop simpler, low-cost strategies to disseminate effective treatments. However, technology approaches also offer pathways to increased dissemination. Researchers must communicate scientific findings more effectively to impact public opinion and public policy.

Keywords

• public health
• technology
• treatment effectiveness
• dissemination
• implementation
• virtual reality