Understanding how Canadian health care providers have learned to identify co-occurring PTSD symptoms and dementia in Veterans

Abstract: Introduction: Co-occurring PTSD and dementia in Veterans can be difficult to distinguish from dementia-related responsive behaviours, which may result in inappropriate care management. Improved identification of PTSD and dementia is necessary to inform more appropriate and effective care for Veterans. Aim/Question: The purpose of this study was to understand how Canadian healthcare providers have learned to identify the co-occurrence of PTSD symptoms in Veterans with dementia. Methods: Eight semi-structured interviews employing the Critical Incident Technique were conducted with key informant healthcare providers who treat Veterans from across Canada. Framework analysis was used to code, sort and develop themes. Results: Observed differences in Veterans with PTSD and dementia cued healthcare providers to seek our more information, leading to a new understanding of past trauma underlying the symptoms they observed. Healthcare providers then altered their usual care approaches to utilize trust-based and validation-oriented strategies resulting in more effective care management. Discussion: Improvement in the identification of co-occurring PTSD and dementia in Veterans requires specialized education and training for healthcare providers. Implications for Practice: Recognizing the complex needs of older Veterans with co-occurring PTSD and dementia is necessary for healthcare providers to implement more effective care for this population.