Recorded presentation

Ann G. Hirschman, RN-C, FNP, UMDNJ, 81 David Brearley Court, Princeton, NJ 08540, 609-430-0440, AnnSMEDIC@aol.com

The Iraq war and related policies have changed the face of health care for military personnel and for veterans of this and all other conflicts. Care of the ill and injured in the field has been uneven and the evacuation to military hospitals has resulted in overcrowding, quick discharges and poor record keeping. Some of the troops are injured and have been sent home but are in a kind of limbo – neither military nor, yet, veterans (and health insurers do not cover “acts of war”) At home, for all era veterans, there have been cuts at VA facilities and more are planned. Panel will discuss these issues as they relate to the military and veterans and as they impact on the entire health care system.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will learn the special circumstances affecting the health of military personnel and veterans of the current Iraq conflict.
• Participants will increase awareness of the impact on both the civilian and military/VA systems with regard to direct care.
• Participants will increase awareness of the need for records and statistics to provide for effective policy decisions.

Keywords: War, Veterans' Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation