Provider/Clinician Highlights

 Web-Based Training

• In conjunction with the RESPECT-Mil Program, the Army has mandated that all primary care providers take two one-hour web-based training modules on the management of depression and PTSD. A link to the training course can be found on the RESPECT-Mil Page.



• Risk Perception and Communication in Addressing Exposure Concerns, 6 Aug 09 – This is a Powerpoint presentation prepared by the VA War Related Injury and Illness Study Center (WRIISC) East Orange, New Jersey. It provides a review of veterans’ exposure concerns, presents the principles and implications of risk communication, discusses understanding risk perception, and provides some Do’s and Don’ts of provider-veteran communication. For additional Risk Communication information,
  click here.



• Communicating Risk About Emerging Chemicals.  This Power Point Presentation was presented at the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center Conference, 19 Mar 08. It defines emerging chemicals and reviews the related risk communication issues. For additional Risk Communication information, click here.

 Deployment Support Guidance

• The Deployment Support section of our Web site has Clinical Guidance, Military Policies and Directives, Forms, Training Material and other information for clinicians and service members on Pre-Deployment, Enhanced PDHA Process, Re-Deployment, Post-Deployment, and PDHRA Program. The section also includes a page on Information on Deployment-Related Exposures.

Health News and Information

DHCC Update on Health Concerns and Conditions Page

Health Information Operations (HIO) Weekly Updates - Published by US Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (USACHPPM)

MSMR (Medical Surveillance Monthly Report) - Published by Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center (AFHSC)

Federal Health Update - Information on the federal health care sector published weekly by the Institute of Federal Health Care (IFHC).

DHCC Deployment Health News - Subscribe to DHCC on-line newsletter

Conferences and Training

Provider Resiliency

Providers who have prolonged exposure to patient suffering and on-going care demands may develop Provider Fatigue (the military term for Compassion Fatigue) and Burnout. The military has developed a program to promote Provider Resiliency through education, assessment and motivation tools, and healing activities. Resources for Provider Resiliency include:

• AMEDD Center and School Provider Resiliency Training (PRT)
• Army Behavioral Health Provider Resiliency Training Web Page
• NMCPHC Resiliency from Stress Web Page
• Casualties of War: Compassion Fatigue and
  Health Care Providers, MedSurg Nursing Journal, Mar-Apr 09

DHCC Assistance

Specialized Care Programs

The Specialized Care Programs are two tertiary, multidiscplinary treatment programs for Service Members experiencing symptoms post deployment. The Track I program treats chronic, medically unexplained physical symptoms. The Track II program targets PTSD or difficult redeployment adjustment subsequent to GWOT deployment. Both are recommended levels of care outlined in appropriate DoD/VA Clinical Practice Guidelines.

The VA War Related Illness and Injury Study Centers (WRIISC) are specialized centers that provide service to combat veterans who have difficult-to-diagnose disabling illnesses through clinical care, risk communication, education, and research addressing potential environmental exposures and adverse health outcomes. VA primary care providers of veterans with undiagnosed illnesses can request an evaluation at one of the Centers through the VA Central Office. Referral acceptance is a joint decision of VA Central Office, the WRIISC, the referring provider, and the patient. Information about services and referral process can be found in VHA Handbook 1303.5, VA War-Related Illness and Injury Study Centers (WRIISC), 15 Jul 04 and WRIISC Brochure.