Year: 2019
Type: article
Abstract: Time has shown that it can be difficult for military personnel to resume their typical life roles within civilian life. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were the longest wars in United States history and involved some of the most intense ground engagements since Vietnam (Cogan, 2014). This left many soldiers to deal with the traumatic experiences they went through. This study aimed at developing a screening tool to address the difficulties experienced by veterans during their transition into civilian life. The researchers began with a thorough review of literature to identify the occupational challenges the project would address. Following completion of the literature review, the researchers identified an occupational therapy model to guide the development of the screening tool and accompanying manual. Once the tool and the manual was created the researchers presented the documents to a local veterans club and finally presented the project at oral comprehensive exams at the university. The researchers created the Military Community Reintegration Screen (MCRS), which addresses three domains related to the person, occupation, and environment. Each domain is further broken down into subdomains and tasks that are specific to a veteran’s transition to civilian life. The manual addresses how to use and score the screening tool, as well as when to make a referral to occupational therapy services. This tool has not been clinically tested or used. Further research on the development, usefulness, and effectiveness of the screening tool is still desired by the researchers. Screening tools and assessments are available to military personnel for reintegration into the community; however, they are generally used from research purposes or are not part of the separation requirements, therefore, are not being completed by the soldiers. There are still individuals who are not receiving the treatment they need and due to the stigma around mental illness, many soldiers who are vulnerable to mental illness are denying their need for mental health treatment.
Authors: Bailey Fruit, Hannah Williams
Language: English
Subfield: Occupational Therapy
Field: Health Professions
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2980941052