Jack Potter-Wells’ Post

STABILIZING AND IMPROVING OUR MILITARY HEALTH SYSTEM Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hick recently issued a significant directive that is worth the time to read. From the directive: “...After extensive study, senior leadership determined the most effective way to take care of our people, support the National Defense Strategy, increase clinical readiness, mitigate risks to requirements, and reduce long-term cost growth in private sector care is to reattract beneficiaries to MTFs and maximize medical education and training pipelines. However, reattracting care to MTFs and DTFs requires a stable, predictable workforce sufficiently staffed, trained, and routinely available to provide health care to our beneficiaries. Rebuilding medical capabilities and providing increased support to our clinical personnel is critical, but it will take time and focused effort to accomplish while continuing to assure necessary operational medical support. To stabilize and improve readiness, capacity, and access to care for our warfighters and beneficiaries, I direct the following : …” Take a few minutes to read this Directive from DepSecDef.  It lays out the way ahead in addressing, at the senior levels of our DoD, many of our core MHS challenges. This Directive will impact our currently serving and future military medicine professionals and all of our 9.6 million beneficiaries well into our future. It will take the “time and focused effort” of leaders like you. #mhs #military #medicine #healthcare #readiness #capacity #performanceimprovement

Have you signed your GP practice up to become Veteran Friendly Accredited? Our recently commissioned study of nearly 5,000 veterans found that 55% of them have experienced a mental or physical health issue potentially related to their service since leaving the armed forces. Despite this, one in seven veterans (14%) who have experienced service-related issues have not sought help from a healthcare professional, meaning thousands may be silently struggling. Our findings show that almost two-thirds (63%) of veterans would be more likely to seek help for any issues they might experience if they knew their GP practice was Veteran Friendly Accredited. The Veteran Friendly Accreditation scheme is a quick-to-implement, free support programme that sends a strong signal to veteran patients. Getting accredited only takes 20 minutes and will enable you and your practice team to easily identify, understand and support veterans. Where appropriate, signing up can also help you refer them to specialist healthcare services designed especially for veterans - improving health and wellbeing outcomes and saving you time by reducing repeat appointments and shortening waiting times for diagnosis and treatments. Veteran Friendly practices could encourage thousands of military veterans who may be silently struggling with their health to seek help. Join the 3,000+ practices who are already Veteran Friendly. Visit our website to sign up. ➡️ rcgp.org.uk/veterans #VeteranFriendlyGP

There’s a medical provider shortage in the military Billets have been eliminated and the recruiting crisis cannot keep up with the number of providers who are retiring….and so available resources are beginning to decline. This burns a hole in my heart… Our warfighters, #woundedwarriors, and their families, will suffer the consequences. This could lead to delays in accessing healthcare services, longer wait times for appointments, limited availability of specialists, and reduced clinic hours, resulting in delayed diagnoses, treatment, and follow-up care for medical conditions. As a result, overworked medical staff may experience burnout, potentially compromising the quality of care delivered to patients….and shortages of specialized providers such as mental health professionals may limit the range of treatment options available Medical care is a key component to performance restoration and getting our troops back in the fight. (medical readiness to mission readiness) Not having ample and adequate access to healthcare will not only impact #warfighter health (and even family readiness), but may result in degradation of capabilities and overall operational readiness. What’s the best solution? Will civilian providers be approved? Will access to off-base care be granted? What does the current military medical community think? The shortage of medical providers within the military can have significant implications…. #mentalhealth #physicaltherapy #humanperformance #healthcare #military #marines #marinecorps #semperfi #semperfidelis #army #navy #airforce #coastguard #spaceforce #health #wellness #fitness #medical #medicalcare #tacticalathlete #militaryfamilies

Lots in the UK about national service and reserves at the moment. Reserves were also a Covid/national resilience lesson. Given the recruitment shortage across UK emergency services, the NHS and the military, should we not reflect UK spending priorities and consider a National Reserve Service, focussing on health and social care, but allowing people to volunteer for the other reserve services? Six months full time training and service followed by a year and a half, or two year part-time reserve commitment of a number of hours/days per year? #resilience #emergencypreparedness

This Remembrance Day, we'd encourage all GP practices to join us in becoming Veteran Friendly Accredited in order to support those veterans who may be silently struggling with their mental or physical health at this challenging time. While news around current conflicts is likely to have a triggering effect on some of the 1.74 million military veterans in England, many may be reluctant to seek help from healthcare professionals, particularly if they feel they will not be understood - with less than half (48.8%) of those who experience a mental health issue typically seeking medical support. Having taken the quick and easy step to become accredited, we know just what a difference it can make. The free training and resources we've received as part of the scheme have made it easier for us to identify, understand and support veterans and, where appropriate, refer them to specialist services designed especially for them. It takes just 20 minutes to sign up and 99% of the 2,300+ practices that have, recommend it. Be a champion for veterans and their families this Remembrance Day and get your practice Veteran Friendly Accredited. Sign up for free here: rcgp.org.uk/veterans #VeteranFriendlyGP #GeneralPractice #NHS

Understanding the differences between civilian and military hospital jobs is crucial for individuals seeking opportunities in the healthcare sector. While both settings share the goal of providing medical care, they operate within distinct frameworks and have unique considerations. Learn more at https://bit.ly/4cjrHN3 #EpicGovernment #HealthcareCareers #CivilianJobs #MilitaryJobs #ExploreOpportunities

Military veterans as a resource: The norwegian government's Action Plan for Veterans (2024-2028) was recently launced by the Minister of Defence, and signifies a renewed commitment to recognition, care, and follow-up for our military personnel and their families. However, feedback from the Forsvarets sanitet - Norwegian Armed Forces Joint Medical Services (FSAN) suggests that some aspects of the plan warrant further scrutiny. Together with the surgeon general Petter Iversen, CEO of FSAN, we comment in #dagensmedisin on some potential consequences of the new plan. Research from the FSAN IMPS research and development dep. Andreas Nordstrand Christer Lunde Gjerstad Hans Jakob Bøe indicates that while the majority of Norwegian veterans report good physical and mental health after international operations, certain factors may increase the risk of psychological distress. These include high levels of stress exposure, traumatic events, or negative life experiences before, during, or after service. Notably, deployments to Afghanistan and Lebanon have shown a tendency for psychological issues to escalate over time. The plan recommends implementing RESTART, offering a six-step procedure designed to alleviate acute stress reactions within 60 seconds. This initiative, currently underway in the military, holds promise for broader application, including within other response units, such as the police force. Moreover, the Action Plan proposes tailored support beyond the standard one-year program for personnel who have faced exceptionally challenging situations. It also explores the possibility of extending support to the families of fallen and severely injured veterans. While these initiatives aim to bolster veteran well-being, they might not be the most effective remedy, and pose challenges to the existing military healthcare framework. Expanding military healthcare services possibly risks complicating the transition from military to civilian healthcare systems. Extended treatment within the military could delay seamless integration into civilian healthcare, potentially disrupting the continuity of care. It also raises questions about the specialization of care, highlighting the need for collaboration between military and civilian healthcare providers in peacetime, crisis and war. Norway don't have military hospitals, and have to rely on civillian healthcare institutions. Striking a balance between specialized support and healthcare integration is key, avoiding the notion of "special treatment" for veterans while acknowledging the expertise of civilian healthcare. It's commendable that the plan broadens the veteran definition to include a wider spectrum of operational personnel. #MilitaryHealthcare #VeteranSupport #HealthcareIntegration #MentalResilience #FSAN #IMPS https://lnkd.in/dDQPSUah https://lnkd.in/dq5hEq6P

This Remembrance Day, we’d encourage all GP practices to join us in becoming Veteran Friendly Accredited in order to support those veterans who may be silently struggling with their mental or physical health at this challenging time. While news around current conflicts is likely to have a triggering effect on some of the 1.74 million military veterans in England, many may be reluctant to seek help from healthcare professionals, particularly if they feel they will not be understood - with less than half (48.8%) of those who experience a mental health issue typically seeking medical support. Having taken the quick and easy step to become accredited, we know just what a difference it can make. The free training and resources we’ve received as part of the scheme have made it easier for us to identify, understand and support veterans and, where appropriate, refer them to specialist services designed especially for them. Not only has the programme helped us to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for our veteran patients, but it has also helped to save time, reducing repeat appointments and freeing up appointments for other patients in need. It takes just 20 minutes to sign up and 99% of the 2,300+ practices that have, recommend it. Be a champion for veterans and their families this Remembrance Day and get your practice Veteran Friendly Accredited. Sign up for free here or let your GP practice know about the scheme by sharing this link: rcgp.org.uk/veterans #VeteranFriendlyGP

Next week I'll be at the IHI Patient Safety Congress with my colleague Shannon Davila, MSN,RN, CPPS, CIC, CPHQ, FAPIC to discuss diagnostic safety in #Veterans health. We'll be: ⚠ drilling into common health risks of military service 📢 discussing ways to enhance Veteran & provider communication 💡 creating an action plan to #improve diagnostic safety for Veterans Join us May 15th, in Orlando, FL, at 2pm EST: https://lnkd.in/g4DyhSnu Serving Those Who Served: Improving Diagnostic Safety for Military Veterans (Session C05) We'll be exploring a diagnostic tool called #SALUTE designed to improve communication between military connected patients & their providers. Veterans have #unique health needs, and are at higher risk of mental health disorders, substance use, chronic pain, cancers related to toxic exposures, homelessness, and other risks when compared to non-Veterans. The #SALUTE tool provides the patient/Veteran with a stronger voice and role in their care, and their provider with unique insight into service related health issues. 🌎 Veterans Health Issues are universal. If you're in #Canada and would like to learn more about how you can help improve diagnostic safety for Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes members & Veterans please reach out. #SALUTE #IHIcongress #VeteransHealthEquity #DiagnosticSafety #NATO #DND #DoD #CAF #USmilitary #ECRI Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence Veterans Affairs Canada / Anciens Combattants Canada CIMVHR - Canadian Institute for Military and Veteran Health Research

Q: Can I get VA benefits for memory loss? A: Maybe. The VA doesn't have a specific "memory loss" benefit. Instead, they consider the underlying cause. Short-term memory issues, like those from occasional concussions, might not qualify. However, severe, lasting memory problems could be service-connected. This is especially true if you have dementia linked to your military service. The key is proving your memory loss is: - Severe: Significantly impacts daily life. - Long-lasting: Not temporary or easily managed. - Service-connected: Caused by your military service. To claim benefits, you'll need: - A cognitive assessment documenting your memory problems. - Medical records and other evidence supporting your claim. Share this with someone who might need it! #veteransbenefits #compensationandbenefits #veteranshelpingveterans #disabilitybenefits #veterans