Helping Soldiers Heal: How the US Army Created a Learning Mental Health Care System

Helping Soldiers Heal is a step-by-step guidebook for military and civilian health care systems that recounts the US Army's transformation from a disparate collection of poorly standardized, largely disconnected clinics into one of the nation's leading mental health care systems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2021
Publisher: Cornell University Press

Helping Soldiers Heal is a captivating narrative that delves into the remarkable transformation of the US Army from a disparate array of poorly standardized and largely disconnected clinics into one of the nation's foremost mental health care systems. This comprehensive guidebook offers valuable insights for both military and civilian health care systems, providing a step-by-step roadmap for achieving excellence in mental health care. Jayakanth Srinivasan and Christopher Ivany, both prominent participants in the process, offer a unique insider-outsider perspective, sharing firsthand experiences and contributing to the shaping and guidance of this transformative journey.

The Army's mental health system faced a significant crisis, with an overwhelming prevalence of mental health problems among soldiers and their family members, severely impeding combat readiness. Recognizing the need for change, the key to the transformation lay in embracing the principles of learning health care systems. Building a learning health care system is a complex endeavor, but constructing a learning mental health care system is even more challenging. As Helping Soldiers Heal vividly recounts, the Army overcame numerous obstacles and achieved remarkable success, offering valuable lessons for any health care system seeking to undergo similar transformations.

One of the critical challenges the Army faced was the need to establish a cohesive and integrated mental health care network. This involved consolidating various clinics and providers into a centralized system, ensuring seamless coordination and communication between different stakeholders. The authors highlight the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving this goal, emphasizing the need for a shared vision and a common understanding of the desired outcomes.

Another key aspect of the transformation was the emphasis on evidence-based practices and quality improvement. The Army recognized the importance of using data and research to inform decision-making and drive innovation in mental health care. This involved implementing evidence-based treatments, monitoring patient outcomes, and continuously evaluating and refining processes to ensure optimal patient care.

Furthermore, the authors emphasize the importance of addressing the cultural and societal factors that contribute to mental health problems among soldiers. They recognize that the military environment can be unique and challenging, and that addressing these factors is crucial in promoting mental well-being and preventing suicide. This involves fostering a culture of support, resilience, and understanding within the military community, as well as providing resources and support for soldiers and their families.

In conclusion, Helping Soldiers Heal is a must-read for anyone interested in improving mental health care systems. The book offers a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the transformation of the US Army's mental health care system, highlighting the importance of collaboration, evidence-based practices, quality improvement, and cultural sensitivity. By embracing these principles, health care systems can strive to provide optimal care for their patients and promote mental well-being within their communities.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501760501