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Resistance to Resilience: Rising Above Depression with Ketamine
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Ketamine therapy is proven to assist Veterans with decreasing their thought of self-harm, feelings of hopelessness, depression and enhances their overall quality of life. With access to Ketamine therapy options nation-wide, Veterans would have a lifesaving chance in which VHA should want to play a part in preventing undertreated depression in Veterans, which can lead to poor quality of life, social difficulties, decreased productivity, and increased mortality from suicide. Thus, our Ketamine clinic's mission is to embark on a creditable journey to give all American heroes a second chance at life.
If a Veteran believes Ketamine therapy is right for them, Veterans should contact their local VAMC Primary Mental Health Provider or the Community Care Office to discuss if this is an option and to get evaluation treatment. Visit the VA’s Mental Health Services page (provided in the links section of the problem overview) for more resources and how to find your nearest VA medical center.
Veterans experiencing a mental health emergency are urged to call the Veterans Crisis Line (DIAL 988, then PRESS 1), present to the nearest emergency room, or call 911 immediately. Help is free to all Veterans 24/7, even if they are not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.
Origin:
October 2019, John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans' Hospital (Little Rock, Arkansas)
Adoptions:
26 successful
Awards and Recognition:
Diffusion of Excellence Promising Practice, VHA Shark Tank Winner, Diffusion Fellow, Diffusion of Excellence Fellow, VHA Diffusion Academy- Scale Track
Partners:
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Recent Updates
Overview
Problem
According to data from the National Academic Detailing Services resources dashboard, a staggering 1,635,233 Veterans have been diagnosed with major depression. Among these, approximately 160,477 Veterans may be suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Veterans are at a higher risk for developing comorbid illnesses and suicidal behavior, with nearly 20%
...
According to data from the National Academic Detailing Services resources dashboard, a staggering 1,635,233 Veterans have been diagnosed with major depression. Among these, approximately 160,477 Veterans may be suffering from treatment-resistant depression. Veterans are at a higher risk for developing comorbid illnesses and suicidal behavior, with nearly 20% having attempted suicide and being 2 to 3 times more likely to attempt it again.
Major Depressive Disorder is a leading cause of disability and one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States and worldwide. Veterans from all branches of the military often experience emotional or physical trauma, which can lead to suicidal ideation and a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression.
Our facility has observed an increase in the number of Veterans seen in our Mental Health Ketamine Clinic since 2020. The significant rise in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores, which monitor suicidal ideation and depressive behaviors among our Veterans, has highlighted this pressing issue. See more
Major Depressive Disorder is a leading cause of disability and one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States and worldwide. Veterans from all branches of the military often experience emotional or physical trauma, which can lead to suicidal ideation and a diagnosis of treatment-resistant depression.
Our facility has observed an increase in the number of Veterans seen in our Mental Health Ketamine Clinic since 2020. The significant rise in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scores, which monitor suicidal ideation and depressive behaviors among our Veterans, has highlighted this pressing issue. See more
Links
- For more resources and how to find your nearest VA medical center VA Mental Health Services
Solution
Our team has responded to the issues outlined in our problem statement by establishing a stand-alone Mental Health Ketamine clinic that provides Ketamine therapy specifically for Veterans suffering from Treatment-Resistant Depression. This proactive approach aims to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors, ultimately preventing suicide among this population.
...
Our team has responded to the issues outlined in our problem statement by establishing a stand-alone Mental Health Ketamine clinic that provides Ketamine therapy specifically for Veterans suffering from Treatment-Resistant Depression. This proactive approach aims to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviors, ultimately preventing suicide among this population.
Veterans visit the clinic according to their individualized treatment plans and are required to complete the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as well as either the GAD-7 or the PCL-5, which are standardized tools used to assess their clinical status. Once these questionnaires are completed, the nursing staff administers therapeutic doses of Ketamine. During the induction phase, this is done through intravenous infusion, and for maintenance doses, it can be administered via intravenous, intramuscular, or intranasal routes (Spravato/esketamine) as prescribed by their physician. See more
Veterans visit the clinic according to their individualized treatment plans and are required to complete the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) as well as either the GAD-7 or the PCL-5, which are standardized tools used to assess their clinical status. Once these questionnaires are completed, the nursing staff administers therapeutic doses of Ketamine. During the induction phase, this is done through intravenous infusion, and for maintenance doses, it can be administered via intravenous, intramuscular, or intranasal routes (Spravato/esketamine) as prescribed by their physician. See more
Images
Ketamine molecule
An up-close picture of two paintings completed by one of our veterans.
CAVHS Ketamine Clinic treatment area
- Resistance to Resilience Implementation Guide Ketamine Implementation Guide
- Ketamine—from anesthetic to depression "miracle drug" How Ketamine Drug Helps with Depression
- ABC 24 Memphis News broadcast with CAVHS Ketamine Clinic How psychedelic treatments can help veterans' mental health
Files
Links
Results
With our proactive approach in offering Ketamine therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression to reduce ideation or behavior and prevent suicide among our Veteran population, the Veterans' initial feedback was uncertainty about Ketamine therapy. After their first treatment, they verbalized that they felt a difference, and following their induction phase, they
...
With our proactive approach in offering Ketamine therapy for Treatment-Resistant Depression to reduce ideation or behavior and prevent suicide among our Veteran population, the Veterans' initial feedback was uncertainty about Ketamine therapy. After their first treatment, they verbalized that they felt a difference, and following their induction phase, they indicated it helped them revitalize.
Private/Community Healthcare Organizations charge approximately $400 to $800 per treatment or $1600 to $4800 upfront for a complete series of IV Ketamine for the treatment of depression because private insurance does NOT cover Ketamine therapy since it is deemed “off-label” use. For the calendar year 2024, there were a total of 1505 Ketamine treatments (799 IV ketamine, 554 IM ketamine injections and 152 Spravato (esketamine) performed. See more
Private/Community Healthcare Organizations charge approximately $400 to $800 per treatment or $1600 to $4800 upfront for a complete series of IV Ketamine for the treatment of depression because private insurance does NOT cover Ketamine therapy since it is deemed “off-label” use. For the calendar year 2024, there were a total of 1505 Ketamine treatments (799 IV ketamine, 554 IM ketamine injections and 152 Spravato (esketamine) performed. See more
Images
PHQ9 End of Induction Score Comparison
Item 9 End of Induction Score Comparison
Veteran Testimonies
- Ketamine overview MD PowerPoint Presentation: Ketamine
- VA's Mental Health Service resources and how to find your nearest VA medical center VA's Mental Health Services page
Files
Links
Metrics
- 70% of our Veterans showed >50% reduction in PHQ-9 score after their induction period.
- Amongst our Veterans with baseline Suicidal Ideation (SI), 56% of them exhibited a decrease in SI after their Ketamine therapy induction phase.
- With repeated Ketamine infusion therapy 86% of Veterans clinically have shown significant improvement in Treatment Resistant Depression due to the enhanced therapeutic benefit.
- VA annual drug costs for treating 100 Veterans with Esketamine is $1,157,000 -$3,729,600.
- While estimated VA annual drug costs for treating 8 Veterans with IV Ketamine is $1,700.
Diffusion tracker
Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)
Multimedia
Images
Overall Patient Average PHQ-9 & Item 9 comparison scores
Average Annual Drug Cost Comparison per 8 Veterans
Implementation
Timeline
-
Months 1-2
• Assemble local stakeholder /leadership team• Develop a Ketamine Therapy Clinic pilot strategy specific to meet the needs of the location• Acquire designated space for the clinic area, required equipment, and staff members• Plan meetings with discipline-leadership to finalize training curriculum -
Months 2-4
• Educate and train new/existing staff members (ex. Psychiatrist, Nurse, Pharmacist)• Set schedule for consultation of Veterans that meet criteria for Ketamine therapy• Train MSA staff for the setup of scheduling new and existing Veterans for Ketamine Therapy on the clinic grid. -
Months 4-5
• Set up clinic with required equipment and supplies needed to implement the new Ketamine therapy clinic and staff -
Months 5-6
• Go-Live with the Ketamine therapy clinic• Look for opportunities to redesign procedures or processes that meet the needs of your facility.
Departments
- Veteran experience
- Medical Informatics
- Mental health care
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacy
- Adaptive sports
- Central supply
- Information technology
Core Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
|
PROCESSES |
|
TOOLS |
|
Files
- CAVHS standards of pracice for mental health regarding ketamine CAVHS Mental Health Ketamine SOP (IV & IM)
- PATIENT EDUCATION PAMPHLET ON KETAMINE FOR TRD KETMAINE PAMPHLET OVERVIEW
- PATIENT EDUCATION ON IV KETAMINE CAVHS KETMAINE IV BROCHURE FOR TRD
- PATIENT EDUCATION ON IM KETAMINE FOR TRD CAVHS KETAMINE IM BROCHURE
- Resistance to Resilience Implementation Guide Ketamine Implementation Guide
- Resistance to Resilience Implementation Guide Implementation Guide
Links
- An overview of research on the use of Ketamine or Esketamine for depressive disorders, PTSD, or suicide. Compendium: Evidence on Ketamine or Esketamine Use for Depressive Disorders, PTSD, or Suicide
- To provide general guidance on ensuring access to intravenous ketamine for the treatment of treatment resistant major depressive disorder or severe suicidal ideation under a National VA protocol that will facilitate collection of safety and effectiveness outcomes via a prospective medication use evaluation (MUE). Ketamine Infusion for Treatment Resistant Depression and Severe Suicidal Ideation National Protocol Guidance
Optional Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
|
TOOLS |
|
Files
- CAVHS mental health clinic SOP for esketamine (Spravato) CAVHS esketamine SOP
- Spravato Education booklet Esketamine nasal spray educational booklet
- Esketamine patient brochure CAVHS esketamine patient brochure
Links
- To provide general guidance on ensuring access to intranasal esketamine for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) under a National VA protocol that will facilitate collection of safety and effectiveness outcomes via a prospective medication use evaluation (MUE). Intranasal Esketamine for Depression National Protocol Guidance February 2022
Support Resources
| Resource type | Resource description |
|---|---|
PEOPLE |
|
PROCESSES |
|
Risks and mitigations
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
| Funding/Resources | Recommend expanding our Ketamine clinic to offer Ketamine therapy to Veterans in and surrounding states. Because when it comes time for appointments, we have found that travel limitations are our most significant impediment. Being able to offer Ketamine therapy treatments throughout other VA facilities so that all Veterans with Treatment Resistant Depression can enroll in a VA Ketamine Clinic to receive this essential treatment. Ketamine therapy has positive results for the Veterans as it returns their joy and purpose in life. Most importantly, Veterans will be able to receive treatment close to their homes resulting in travel limitations are no longer an issue. |
| Designated space/location | Recommends that the facility to allocate a private and quite open space for a treatment area that can accommodate all required equipment plus patients and staff. { ex. at least eight patient recliners, eight potable cardiac monitors, eight IV poles with pumps, at least two nurse's desks with chairs and includes a closing door for patient privacy during treatment}. Including access to a patient waiting room with non-rolling chairs and a table or desk {that displays education items etc.} and access to a consult office with a computer, a chair, a desk and two patient non-rolling chairs {privacy for the patient/family members and physiatrist}. |
| Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Tech time availability | Recommend that facility allocate up to 0.125 FTE, 5hrs per week, to review Ketamine list, check and verify doses, review inventory, etc. Also to include Pharmacy Technician up to 0.375 FTE, 15hrs per week, for compounding Ketamine. (All depending on scale of clinic size of 8 patients per day) |
| Volume of appropriate Veterans | Ketamine therapy is optimal for facilities in reducing ideation or behavior and preventing suicide among the Veteran population. |
Contact
Comment
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About
Origin story
Dr. John Spollen was the lead psychiatrist at the VA Medical Center in Little Rock, AR. He noticed that Veterans were experiencing increased thoughts of self-harm, hopelessness, and depression due to their undertreated depression. Veterans' PHQ9 scores and suicide scores at his center surged for over a year, so he followed his clinical intuition by advocatin
...
Dr. John Spollen was the lead psychiatrist at the VA Medical Center in Little Rock, AR. He noticed that Veterans were experiencing increased thoughts of self-harm, hopelessness, and depression due to their undertreated depression. Veterans' PHQ9 scores and suicide scores at his center surged for over a year, so he followed his clinical intuition by advocating to pilot a new state-of-the-art treatment, Ketamine therapy, for Treatment-Resistant Depression. In December 2019, Dr. Spollen and his team were the first Mental Health Ketamine Clinic pilot program for his facility, within VISN 16, with only 19 patients. Since implementing the Mental Health Ketamine Clinic, therapies offered within the clinic have improved Veterans’ depression score rates by 85%, as evidenced by the PHQ-9, the national depression measurement tool.
Original team
Kristen Kemp, BSN, RN
Registered Nurse
Cortney Threat, MSN, RN
Registered Nurse
Kelly Hair, MD
Psychiatrist
Douglas Provaznik, MD
Psychiatrist
Kelley Burrow, MD
Psychiatrist
John Spollen, MD
Psychiatrist
Dustin Thompson, Pharm D, BCPS
Inpatient Pharmacy Supervisor
Sherika Davis, CPHT
Controlled Substance Technician
Darla Pettis, MSN, VHA-CM
Deputy ACOS/Nurse Executive Mental Health
Hi. Great work. I have data from San Diego. We started our clinic in January 2020 ,first with Esketamine, now Esketamine, and IM and IV Ketamine. If you are interested let me know.
For Veterans wanting to start Ketamine Therapy, please contact your local VAMC Primary Mental Health Provider to discuss if this is an option.