Engaging veterans in the research process: a practical guide

Abstract

Aims: Provide guidance for engaging military veterans in various research teams to help overcome veterans' lack of trust in research. Methods: We draw from our combined experience to present four case studies of veteran research on sensitive topics to illustrate successful engagement with veterans. Results: For each case example, we describe veterans' contributions at different phases of research. We then share practical guidance for realizing benefits and overcoming challenges of engaging veterans in research at each phase. In our experience, successful engagement has built trust by aligning research with participants' own experience as veterans. Conclusion: Investigators wishing to engage veterans in research may benefit from the lessons presented through these case studies.