The 2nd Annual Veteran-Centered Care Conference took place on November 12, 2014 at 19 Foster Street, MCPHS University Worcester campus with distance education to the Manchester campus. The more than 65 attendees, including primarily nursing and pharmacy students, explored the challenges of providing healthcare to Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and sought to find ways to understand the impact of military service on the health of Veterans. Amongst red, white, and blue tables, attendees welcomed Massachusetts Senator Michael Moore as he addressed Veteran healthcare issues nationally, touching on how Massachusetts has one of the best Veteran care records in the nation. Dr. Paula James provided a short background on PTSD: the causes, symptoms, and treatment. This year an “unfolding case” interactive activity was included to foster audience participation and enhance student learning. Participants listened to an audio recording of a PTSD patient and his wife and received a copy of his chart. After hearing the case and reviewing the chart the students worked in groups to collaborate on questions about the case. At this point the panelists were invited to the table to tell their stories. All of the stories were heartfelt and provided different perspectives and insight to Veterans who experience PTSD. Audience members then returned to their groups to review the unfolding case questions and discuss how their answers might have changed after listening to the panelists. Finally, the groups came together to discuss their various answers and viewpoints.
This annual interprofessional event was coordinated by representatives of the following programs/departments; School of Nursing, School of Pharmacy, School of Physical Therapy, Student Affairs, and Library and Learning Resources.
A special thank you to all of our Veterans, your service is much appreciated!
A PowerPoint presentation on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in Iraq & Afghanistan Veterans - The Impact on the Community. Presented by Paula D. James, DNP, RN, CCNS, School of Nursing, MCPHS University.
John Salib - School of Pharmacy '17, MCPHS University
Colin Halloran - Veteran / Writer, and English professor at Fairfield University, CT, and Wentworth Institute of Technology, MA
Carrie Walker - Physician Assistant and civilian contractor for the US Military
Scott Orrahood - Assistant Professor and the History and Physical Exam Course Coordinator for Physician Assistant Studies, MCPHS University