Abstract
Due to the dearth of veteran-centered research, gaining the unique perspective of veterans’ engagement in research is essential to address their health needs. Veterans have expressed desire in shaping treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), however many veterans are hesitant to engage in the research enterprise. This community engagement project was designed to train veterans as full partners and join forces with researchers on PTSD-related patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) and comparative effectiveness research (CER). A National Advisory Board (NAB; <em>n</em> = 8) of veterans and key stakeholders were created. The NAB developed the Veteran-Driven Research Participation Training Program (VDRPTP). The VDRTP consists of four modules narrated by veterans: 1) Research Bootcamp–Basic Training; 2) Ethics, Participants Rights, and PCOR and CER research; 3) Communicating About Research; and 4) Time for Action! The VetResearchHub was also created to provide a platform for veterans to engage directly with researchers and collaborate on veteran-centered PCOR and CER. The VDRPTP was appraised by veterans who provided feedback about the VDRPTP. The VDRPTP was revised for ease of access. 96% of veterans exhibited overall satisfaction with the modules. Veterans also expressed an increase in willingness to participate in research projects. This project supports a promising first step toward reducing existing barriers between veterans and research teams. The provision of free, accessible, web-based education about the research process, designed for veterans, combined with a networking infrastructure–VetResearchHub–may ultimately support the advancement of veteran-focused PTSD-related PCOR and CER.
Highlights
The Veteran-Driven Research Participation Training Program (VDRPTP) was appraised by veterans who provided feedback about the VDRPTP
Efficacious treatment options must be developed that recognize the unique combat-related experiences associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among veterans and the distinct challenges related to veteran healthcare
We provided a clear description of the project on the Operation patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR) website stated the purpose of the project, the rights of the stakeholders to terminate their voluntary participation at any time, and access to the contact information of the project lead and evaluation responses were anonymous
Summary
The VDRPTP was appraised by veterans who provided feedback about the VDRPTP. The VDRPTP was revised for ease of access. 96% of veterans exhibited overall satisfaction with the modules. Veterans expressed an increase in willingness to participate in research projects. Studies have shown that such treatments can be adapted for use in primary care settings (Cigrang et al, 2011, 2015, 2017) and even modified and abbreviated (Peterson, et al, 2020) Findings from these studies indicate that, on average, only about half of service members and veterans no longer meet the criteria for PTSD after receiving these cognitive-behavioral therapies. Our experience in working with veterans on previous veteran-driven engagement projects taught us that veterans want to participate in shaping approaches to PTSD treatment They remain skeptical because they report that the research process is not synchronous with their daily life experiences
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