Gulf War Illness, Qualitative Research Award

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Qualitative research is a form of social inquiry that seeks to understand the human experience by exploring how people interpret and make sense of their experiences and the world in which they live. The intent of the FY18 GWIRP Qualitative Research Award is to support qualitative research studies that seek to understand the experiences, perceptions, barriers, and beliefs of Veterans suffering from GWI and those responsible for their care. Observations that drive a research idea may be derived from basic discovery, population-based studies, a clinician’s firsthand knowledge of patients, or anecdotal data. Appropriate qualitative research topics include, but are not limited to, the explorative, descriptive, predictive, or explanatory study of:  Generation of data to inform new and GWI-specific clinical practice guidelines, with consideration of potential implementation strategies;  Real or perceived barriers concerning access to treatment and healthcare or information about care;  Impact of personal factors and comorbid medical conditions that influence or mediate a patient’s health or quality of life;  Impact of cultural values and beliefs on the success of treatment and/or healthcare behaviors;  Impact of medical care decisions (e.g., choice of civilian versus Department of Veterans Affairs [VA] facility) on quality-of-life topics;  Impacts on the spouses/partners and/or families of Veterans suffering from GWI to include career issues, emotional stress, physical strain and injury, intimacy, etc.;  Factors and strategies for improving psychosocial adjustment and adjustment to disability for patients and their families and friends;  Real or perceived barriers in the translation of research to clinicians; and  Exploration of clinician-patient communication experiences. The outcomes of this research should ultimately be translated into educational materials and tools to better inform Veterans, their caregivers, and/or their healthcare providers about GWI and its care. These tools should fall under one of the following categories based on the audience the information is intended to serve:  Educational materials and tools (printed materials, webpage, mobile app, Massive Open Online Courses, wearable technology, etc.) targeting Veterans with GWI and their caregivers.  Educational materials and tools (printed materials, interactive workshops, outreach visits, open register for patient treatment summaries, etc.) targeting healthcare providers who treat Veterans suffering from GWI.

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