Veteran Interactive Cases to Reinforce Service (VICTORS): Standardized Patient Assessment of Veteran-Centered Care

Abstract

Abstract Introduction A substantial number of military personnel are returning to civilian life with unique medical needs. Health professional educators must turn their attention to the development of patient-centered competency curricula regarding the medical care of US military veterans. Due to the limited tools focusing on veteran-centered education, we have developed and implemented these standardized patient exercises that focus on post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma. Methods These two cases can be used as typical standardized patient exercises or as announced or unannounced new standardized patients in a resident continuity clinic setting. This publication details the standardized patient training protocol, resources for additional learning on post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma, remediation materials, as well as an expert video showcasing the evaluation. In total, the exercise for both patient encounters takes approximately 180 minutes. Results The 36-item checklist was found to be reliable (coefficient α =. 83) and valid. The 10-item Communication Skills subscale had an internal reliability of. 58. In the postevaluation remediation exercise residents noted the need for an improvement in their military history-taking skills and their need to develop a higher comfort level with asking specific and concise questions related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and military sexual trauma (MST). Discussion These cases provide an opportunity to assess resident learners' communication skills while reinforcing a commitment to military veterans through educational programs.

Keywords

• Communication Skills
• Patient-Centered Care
• Military Sexual Trauma
• Veteran-Centered Care
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder