Research to real-world impact: evidence-based knowledge mobilization to improve support for UK women veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma.
The training program significantly improved clinician confidence in delivering cognitive processing therapy to support UK women veterans affected by military sexual trauma.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the adamax corpusSummary and findings
This study evaluated a national training program aimed at improving support for UK women veterans who experienced military sexual trauma (MST). The program included three courses targeting different professional audiences, with a focus on cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for PTSD. Significant increases in self-efficacy for delivering CPT were observed among participants after training.
Abstract
Background: Military sexual trauma (MST) disproportionately impacts women veterans globally. UK research highlights that these in-service experiences may contribute to unique mental and physical health needs. Yet, service providers are often perceived to be unaware of and unable to meet these needs.Objective: To evaluate a national training programme that synthesised evidence to support UK women veterans. Situated within a wider knowledge mobilization (KMb) initiative and guided by the Knowledge-to-Action (KTA) framework, a three-part programme was developed for different professional audiences to enhance understanding of and support for women veterans.Method: Co-produced and grounded in KMb theory. Course 1 aimed to enhance knowledge of women veterans' health needs. Course 2 targeted healthcare professionals and veteran specialist providers, exploring evidence-based considerations for promoting service engagement. Course 3 aimed to increase UK clinical capacity in the best-evidenced treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder associated with MST in women veterans, through training mental health professionals in cognitive processing therapy (CPT). Mixed-methods data were collected from all programme attendees. CPT attendees completed pre- and 3-month post-training measures; quantitative data were analysed using a Wilcoxon signed-rank test and qualitative data using manifest content analysis.Results: Course 1 was completed by 526 individuals, 363 completed Course 2, and 98 completed Course 3. Course 3 attendees were split across two cohorts (n = 57; n = 41). Compared with pre-training, 3-month post-training self-efficacy in delivering CPT across cohort one increased significantly (p < .001, r = 0.915). Content analysis identified three themes: (1) Clinician confidence delivering CPT; (2) Clinicians' perceptions of CPT; and (3) CPT in a service system.Conclusions: The education programme addressed gaps in UK service provider knowledge and increased CPT clinical capacity. The wider KMb initiative demonstrates how research can be translated into impact for military populations and highlights the value of co-produced KMb approaches.
Background
This paper addresses the impact of military sexual trauma (MST) on women veterans, highlighting their unique mental and physical health needs. Prior research indicates that service providers often lack awareness and capability to meet these needs. This study is significant as it evaluates a training program designed to enhance understanding and support for these veterans.
Methods
The study utilized a mixed-methods approach grounded in knowledge mobilization theory. It included three courses targeting different audiences: Course 1 for general knowledge, Course 2 for healthcare professionals, and Course 3 for training in cognitive processing therapy (CPT). The sample sizes were 526 for Course 1, 363 for Course 2, and 98 for Course 3, with specific cohorts of 57 and 41 for the latter.
Results
The primary finding was that self-efficacy in delivering CPT increased significantly from pre-training to 3-month post-training (p < .001, r = 0.915). Qualitative data revealed three themes related to clinician confidence and perceptions of CPT.
Interpretation
The findings suggest that the training program effectively increased clinician self-efficacy in delivering CPT, which is important for addressing the needs of women veterans with MST. However, the effect size, while statistically significant, may not translate to clinically meaningful improvements in patient outcomes without further evidence. Limitations include reliance on self-reported data and varying sample sizes across courses.
Key findings
- Course 1 completed by 526 individuals.
- Course 2 completed by 363 individuals.
- Course 3 had two cohorts with n = 57 and n = 41.
- 3-month post-training self-efficacy in delivering CPT increased significantly (p < .001, r = 0.915).
Limitations
- Self-reported measures may introduce bias.
- Sample sizes varied across courses.
- Follow-up duration limited to three months.