Civilian Clinicians Gain Competence in Military Culture via Online Course
Abstract
Cultural competency is as important in understanding military service members as it is for any population group.
Engagement improves treatment. Now, a new online course seeks to educate civilian clinicians about military culture to help them better connect with military service members and veterans.
The free, four-module course was jointly developed by the departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense and is available at the latter’s Center for Deployment Psychology website.
The course was announced as part of President Obama’s executive actions in late August (Psychiatric News, September 19).
Even simple miscommunication can disrupt or destroy attempts at a therapeutic relationship, say veterans.
“Service members, veterans, and their families cite lack of respect and understanding of their experiences as a major reason for not seeking mental health treatment or for leaving therapy,” noted the course developers. “The ability to understand and appreciate the military culture and to tailor clinical practices based on that understanding and appreciation is imperative for clinicians working with service members.”
To overcome that hurdle, the course, called “Military Culture: Core Competencies for Healthcare Professionals,” asks clinicians first to evaluate their own beliefs and understandings of military culture. It then offers information on military ethos, organization, and roles; identifies the stressors unique to military experience and their effects on the patient’s health; and offers resources and tools for culturally competent assessment and clinical treatment.
The course’s four modules can be taken individually, or the full program can be completed in a single day. The modules include video clips of service members and veterans talking about their experiences, along with assessment and treatment-planning tools.
The course also includes detailed, printable reference materials on everything from military insignias and basic training to information on the children of military personnel and treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder.
Continuing education credits are available with the course. ■
The “Military Culture: Core Competencies for Healthcare Professionals” course can be accessed here.
