Developing the skills of future allied health professionals to work effectively with veterans and first responders

Introduction: Military personnel and first responders experience high rates of physical and psychological injury, reporting numerous barriers to accessing healthcare. These barriers are often related to the lack of population-specific knowledge and skills of health professionals, which may be alleviated by improved education and training. This study investigated education and training outcomes of students completing placement within a program—Invictus Pathways Program (IPP)—designed to promote the wellbeing of these populations. Methods: Survey data were collected pre and post placement using the Health Professionals Attitudes Towards Veterans (HPATV) and Mental Illness Clinicians’ Attitudes (MICA-4) questionnaires for both IPP placement students (n = 41) and a control group (n = 29). Data were analysed using a mixed model analysis of variance. Focus groups were conducted following placement and data analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Significant group by time interactions (p < 0.05) were identified for all HPATV subscales and the MICA-4 subscales of knowledge of mental illness and distinguishing physical and mental health. Three themes were identified, namely “value of the placement as a professional and personal experience”, “knowledge gaps and misconceptions” and “student support” from the focus group data. Discussion: Results suggest students had an increased understanding of occupational culture, population specific concerns and mental ill health following completion of the IPP placement. Improved knowledge in these areas may address healthcare barriers experienced by veterans and first responders, which may subsequently facilitate greater access to services and improve clinical outcomes. Conclusion: Findings demonstrate students have enhanced knowledge of occupational culture, attitudes towards working with veteran and first responder populations and capacity to work with individuals with mental ill health following completion of the IPP placement.