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Traumatic Brain Injury Study: FAQs for Participants
What is the purpose of this study?
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) has become a major concern for service members and their families. A large number of troops engaged in active combat in Iraq or Afghanistan will experience mild, moderate, or severe TBI due to head injuries or exposure to explosive blast waves.
TBI can cause cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and physical problems, and can be very stressful for military members and their families. This study will assess and describe patient and family educational needs for information on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
Who is doing the study?
RAND is a nonprofit institution that conducts independent studies on health issues and other areas such as defense, criminal justice, and education. This research is funded by the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs (OSD/HA).
What will I be asked to do?
All who agree to participate in this study will be asked to participate in a group discussion. The focus group will have six to eight people in it like you, either military members or veterans who have been diagnosed with TBI or family members of those diagnosed with TBI. During the discussion, you will be asked about your experiences getting help for TBI so that care for military members and veterans with TBI can be improved. Someone from the RAND team will take notes during the discussion, and the discussion will be audiotaped. Your full name or any identifying information will not be associated with anything you say in the focus group discussion.
How long will the group discussion last?
Discussion groups will last about two hours. Each spouse or family member participant will be paid $25 for his or her time. Refreshments will be provided for all groups.
What are my rights as a research subject?
Your decision to take part in the RAND study is voluntary. Even if you say yes now, you can change your mind at any time. Your decision will not affect the services or treatment you receive from any doctor or other health provider and will not be shared with any military authorities.
What are some of the risks of my participation?
We expect this research study will involve only minimal risks. However, individuals sometimes feel embarrassed to have a condition like TBI. We will try to make you as comfortable as possible during the discussion. Of course, you may also refuse to answer any questions or leave the discussion at any time. Only individuals who are working specifically on this project at RAND will review any information that you provide during the focus group, and your full name will never be associated with any of your comments. Once the study is completed, all focus group audiotapes will be destroyed.
What are some benefits of participation?
This is an opportunity to take part in an important study and to make a valuable contribution that may help to improve the care of people who have TBI.
Will the information I provide be confidential?
Any information you provide as part of the RAND study is completely confidential. RAND will not release it to anyone, except as required by law. RAND will use your information for research purposes only and any identifying information will be destroyed when the project is done.
Who can I contact if I have any questions?
If you have any questions about the study, please contact:
Andrew Parker, Ph.D., by telephone (412-683-2300) or email (Andy_Parker@rand.org) OR Lisa Meredith, Ph.D., by telephone (310-393-0411, x7365) or email (Lisa_Meredith@rand.org).
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