Development of a veteran engagement toolkit for researchers
Abstract: Aim: Engaging patients in the planning, implementation and dissemination of research can increase the credibility and relevance of results and lead to higher quality, more patient-centered care. Veterans have unique experiences and healthcare needs, making their input on research related to their care particularly important. However, existing veteran engagement resources primarily focus on veterans who receive care through the Veterans Health Administration (VA). This excludes those veterans – the majority – who do not use the VA for healthcare. Methods: To address this gap, we developed a veteran engagement toolkit that was informed by the work of both VA and non-VA researchers across the USA. Results: The resulting toolkit provides guidance on essential engagement activities relevant to researchers in a variety of settings. Conclusion: Investigators wishing to engage the veteran community may benefit from the experience and lessons summarized in this veteran-informed toolkit, in addition to resources directed at informing community engagement more generally.
Abstract: The unique demands of military life can adversely impact romantic relationships; however, research has mainly focused on these adverse outcomes at one-time point, overlooking changes over time or potential positive outcomes. Using a subsample of 3,845 male and female military personnel and veterans from a large UK dataset, this study examined positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction between two-time points (2007–2009; 2014–2016). Most participants reported no change in their relationship satisfaction, suggesting stability − 8% reported a positive change and 10% a negative change. Positive change was associated with being in a long-term relationship, alcohol misuse remission, and persistent alcohol misuse. Negative change was associated with the onset of mental health problems (probable PTSD, CMD, or alcohol misuse) and having children under 18. Some factors, like increasing age, childhood family relationship adversity, and mental health problems, were associated with both positive and negative changes in relationship satisfaction. This study highlights the complexity of factors associated with relationship satisfaction among military personnel and veterans, with some experiencing positive changes, as well as negative changes over time.