Operation PCOR: A Community Engagement Project Preparing Veterans as Full Partners in PTSD-Related Research

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; n = 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.