Primary Care Providers Screening for Military Service and PTSD

There are currently millions of veterans living in the United States. Veterans have the option to receive their health care within the veteran's administration (VA) or through primary care providers (PCPs) in the private sector. If PCPs who work in the private sector are not screening their patients for military service then veterans are less likely to be screened for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even if the PCP does know that the patient is a veteran, providers might be less likely to screen for mental illness based on the provider's comfort level in treating the condition. Research was performed using a survey to determine if PCPs are screening for military service and subsequent PTSD. The theoretical basis of this research was Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory as it relates to self-efficacy.