Provider, Veteran, and Family Perspectives on Family Education in Veterans Affairs Community-Based Outpatient Facilities

Focus group and interview data were utilized to examine perceptions of the benefits, feasibility, barriers and logistical considerations of implementing a family education program (SAFE: Support And Family Education) in rural outpatient clinics (CBOCs). The SAFE program focuses on the understanding of mental illness/posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and coping strategies. Results indicate that although logistical concerns (e.g., childcare) and lack of training were seen as barriers, Veterans, their family members (spouses or parents), and service providers (psychologists or social workers) endorsed family education programs.