Bringing Veteran Voices to VA Research
By Minneapolis Public Affairs Team
A recent study across seven VA research networks highlights various efforts that involve Veterans as consultants in research.
The Minneapolis VA led the initiative to examine patient engagement activities and infrastructure within the seven nationally funded research networks.
Over the last 20 years, there has been a cultural shift in healthcare research towards partnering with patients. The partnership brings patients' firsthand knowledge of living with and receiving treatment for different conditions into the research process. This approach makes the research more meaningful and highly applicable, and VA is a leader in this endeavor.
“Building solid bridges between Veterans and VA researchers is really important to me,” said Tracy Sides, the study’s lead investigator. “I see the positive effects these collaborations have on the people involved in the research, which ultimately translates to better care and health for Veterans."
Sides identified over a hundred activities – like setting up research priorities, recruiting Veteran participants, interpreting study results – to see if a combination of researchers and Veteran consultants on studies would translate into better patient care.
By the end of the study, they defined the landscape of research across VAs and concluded that continued involvement of Veteran voices at the table is indispensable.
“Bringing researchers and Veterans together to share their expertise and experiences in true partnership is exciting,” said a Navy Veteran who participated in Slides recent study. “We all share a deep commitment to improving the health and lives of Veterans and their families, but we aren’t often in the same room – either a ‘real room’ or a virtual one!”
There are opportunities for Veterans to get involved with VA researchers as consultants – either as an individual or as part of a Veteran Engagement Panel. And there are even more opportunities for Veterans to get involved as study participants.
The Minneapolis VA is currently conducting over 30 research studies on various topics, offering Veterans many opportunities to participate. Some studies even provide compensation for participants.
For example, one study aims to understand how normal brain aging and PTSD affect biochemical changes and is seeking both healthy Veterans and those with PTSD to participate. Another study will explore the effects of a non-invasive brain stimulation technique on alcohol use disorder. Veterans with a current diagnosis of alcohol use disorder may be eligible to participate in this study.
Additionally, there’s a study on a new, non-drug treatment that is designed to reduce impulsive behavior related to Parkinson’s Disease medications. Veterans diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease are encouraged to get involved. There is also a study comparing two different counseling interventions, open to both men and women. The study will help us understand which method works best.
If you’re interested in participating in one of our many studies at the Minneapolis VA, visit Minneapolis VA Research. Or check out the flyers detailing various studies near the center elevators at the medical center. Veterans interested in consulting on VA research studies, visit the Veteran Engagement section of the VA Healthy Systems Research site.