Feasibility and acceptability of VA CONNECT: Caring for our nation's needs electronically during the COVID-19 transition. (February 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gromatsky, Molly; Sullivan, Sarah R.; Mitchell, Emily L.; Spears, Angela Page; Edwards, Emily R.; Goodman, Marianne
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 296(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-02
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Treatment -- Veterans; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.113700
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many mental health concerns (e.g., acute stress). VA CONNECT is a telehealth skills group addressing these concerns in Veterans. Quantitative and qualitative measures of feasibility/acceptability are described. VA CONNECT is feasible and acceptable to Veterans acutely stressed by COVID-19. Future research will examine impact of VA CONNECT on mental health symptoms. Abstract: COVID-19 has transformed day-to-day functioning and exacerbated mental health concerns. The current study examines preliminary feasibility and acceptability of a VA CONNECT – a novel 10-session, manualized telehealth group intervention integrating skills training and social support to develop a Safety & Resilience Plan for Veterans experiencing COVID-related stress. Data from the first 20 participants support the intervention's feasibility and acceptability. Strengths, limitations, and suggestions for improvement of the intervention are noted. Collaboration with other VA researchers would aid in protocol dissemination and evaluation of VA CONNECT's utility for reducing COVID-19-related stress, loneliness, and mental health symptoms.