Examining veteran preferences and attitudes across intervention modalities for posttraumatic stress disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) care can be delivered in person or via telehealth as well as through computer- and app-based programs. Receiving PTSD care through a preferred modality improves engagement and outcomes, but little is known about veterans' modality preferences. This study describes veterans' preferences for and perceptions of four modalities of PTSD care (i.e., in-person, telehealth, computer-based, app-based) and identifies predictors of preference for digital modalities. Veterans with PTSD (N = 615) completed a survey assessing interest in and perceptions of PTSD care modalities and factors that might influence preferences (e.g., sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial factors). Veterans were classified into three groups: prefer digital interventions (n = 122), open to digital interventions (n = 180), and not interested in digital interventions (n = 313). Veterans were most interested in in-person care, followed by telehealth, computer-based, and app-based modalities, with substantial variability. One in two veterans preferred or were open to digital modalities, yet few reported prior knowledge of them. PTSD service-connected veterans and those higher in self-stigma of help-seeking were more likely to prefer or be open to digital modalities. Perceptions of and familiarity with in-person, telehealth, and computer-based modalities also predicted preferences. Dissemination recommendations are discussed.