EMPOWERTrauma-Informed Care, CBT-SM and Women's MOVE for Improved Health and Well-being of Women Veterans

The EMPOWER 3.0 study focuses on improving the mental and physical health of women veterans, specifically those in midlife. This group often faces unique health challenges such as menopause, obesity, and an increased risk of chronic diseases. The study also aims to address the high burden of trauma and physical and mental health issues that women veterans often experience, which can negatively impact their trust in healthcare providers. The ultimate goal is to enhance the quality of care, trust, well-being, and engagement of women veterans in VA care by offering trauma-informed, evidence-based interventions that meet their high-priority health needs in midlife. The study will implement three evidence-based practices (EBPs): Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Symptoms of Menopause (CBT-SM), and Women's MOVE!. TIC aims to support trust and safety in primary care interactions. CBT-SM provides group-based therapy, education, and personalized referrals for women across the menopausal transition. Women's MOVE! offers lifestyle and weight management support to enhance women veterans' health and well-being. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these EBPs in terms of improved access to trauma-informed care for women veterans, implementation strategy fidelity, speed of implementation, and sustainment, recipient perspectives on and experiences of EBP implementation, and costs of implementation and business case analysis to support sustained EBP use.