T2 Clinical Programs
T2’s clinical programs focus on innovative approaches to providing health care to warriors and their families. These approaches include Web-based tools, Virtual Reality and Virtual Worlds technologies.
AfterDeployment.org
AfterDeployment.org offers modularized content across a spectrum of post-deployment conditions (combat stress and triggers; conflict at work; re-connecting with family and friends; depression; anger; sleep problems; substance abuse; stress management; kids and deployment; spiritual guidance; living with physical injuries; health and wellness).
The web resource provides an interactive self-care solution: users can take assessments, view video-based testimonials, and access narrator-guided workshops. Accessing online resources from the comfort of one’s home eliminates concerns about stigma associated with in-person care. Along with anonymity, online resources offer the following benefits:
Program Benefits
- Anonymous, portable, 24/7 access
- Assessment, education, and prevention
- Skills-building exercises
- Change strategies and interactive workshops
- Augment face-to-face care
Partnerships/Collaborations
Tri-Service support along with HA/TMA/VA, core partners National Centers for PTSD, CHPPM, CDP.
Virtual Reality and Innovative Technology Applications
The Virtual Reality (VR) and Innovative Technology Applications (ITA) program is dedicated to DoD-level dissemination and development of virtual reality, virtual worlds and other new technologies to treat and prevent Psychological Health concerns and Traumatic Brain Injury. ITA was created in response to calls for innovative methods of prevention and treatment of mental illness. Growing research supports using VR and other innovative technologies to improve education, resilience, assessment, and treatment of DoD psychological health patients.
ITA’s mission includes validating innovative technologies through research, increasing the number of providers trained in VR, and developing best practices. Future plans include using VR to support pre-deployment psychological resiliency, conducting TBI assessments through VR, and expanding access to care through virtual worlds.
Program Benefits
- Increases coordination across the DoD for new and emerging technologies
- Validation of innovative technologies through research
- Increases providers trained in VR
- Disseminates a treatment approach that aims to reduce the fear of treatment stigma
Partnerships/Collaborations
Naval Medical Center San Diego, Camp Pendleton Hospital, Air Force Telehealth & Enterprise Imaging, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Office of Naval Research, TATRC, Institute for Creative Technologies, Emory & Cornell Universities.
Mobile Technologies
Smart phones, and other portable devices, provide new opportunities for the development of the next-generation of psychological health content. The fit between health-related content and handheld devices is particularly applicable within the military community. Age groups using such devices are well-represented in the military. Interventional tools available on smart devices can provide “always-on” support for highly mobile, on-the-go individuals. Users receive evidence-based tools via standardized content and would have immediate two-way contact with support systems during a crisis or to manage unexpected acute symptoms.
Mobile Screener
The T2 Mobile Screener is an application developed for clinicians to be used in both a clinic or field setting. Mobile Screener assessments provides quantitative, interpretable clinical data on measures of affective symptoms, physical symptoms, self-report of behavioral control, level of exposure to potentially stressful life events, and perception of social support.
Along with supporting diagnostics, the application will help providers monitor high risk individuals between sessions. The software can deliver a daily reminder to patients, prompting use of the assessment questions. To ensure the secure storage and transmission of data, T2 Mobile Screener will be protected by two types of authentication.
Program Benefits
Creating self-assessment software for a handheld device would offer a number of advantages. Significantly, real-time assessments (rather than retrospective assessments) would be possible. Handheld devices would provide un-tethered portability and facile data transmission to a central server available to the provider. A “virtual handheld clinic” would allow the user to personalize content and access hotline links, psychological tools (e.g., relaxation exercises), and appointment reminders.