Understanding Chaplains and Chaplain Assistants/Religious Program Specialists' Roles in Preventing Suicide

As a chaplain or chaplain assistant/religious program specialist serving in the US Army/Navy/Marine Corps, you are being asked to participate in a study on suicide prevention. Please read the following information, and indicate whether you are interested in participating.

Questions and Answers about Participation in the Study

Who is conducting the study?

The study is being sponsored by the Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), which commissioned the RAND Corporation to conduct the study. RAND is a non-profit public policy research institute that is funded by the federal government to conduct research studies. The RAND Corporation's Institutional Review Board (IRB), DCoE, the Army, the Navy, and the Marine Corps have approved this study.

What is the purpose of the study?

DCoE is interested in your role as a gatekeeper for suicide prevention in the military. In suicide prevention, "gatekeepers" are people who have basic skills to recognize the signs of suicide and respond in order to get a suicidal person the help they need. DCoE would like to learn about factors that make it easier or more difficult for you to serve as a gatekeeper in addition to your many other duties.

What am I being asked to do?

Your participation will involve completing a confidential, 10-minute web survey that asks questions about your use of skills you learned in suicide prevention training; barriers to the use of those skills; and your comfort and experience using those skills. Participation is completely voluntary and you can stop the survey at any time. You may also skip any questions that you do not wish to answer.

What will DCoE do with the information I provide?

The information you provide in the survey will be used in a report that RAND will develop and deliver to DCoE. The information may be used to strengthen support and improve resources for gatekeepers, gatekeeper training, or similar programs.

Is the information I provide confidential?

Yes. Your responses are confidential. Your responses will only be associated with a random numerical identification number, and never with any information that could identify you as a participant. Information will not be attributed to specific individuals. Your decision to participate in the study, as well as your individual responses to all questions, will not be shared with DCoE or your service.

Do I have to participate in the survey?

No. Your participation in the survey is voluntary. Prior to completing the survey, you will be asked to provide your consent to participate. The Chief of Chaplains has been notified of the survey and informed that your participation is voluntary. If you choose to participate, supervisors have been encouraged to allow you to take the time to participate during your normal tour of duty (i.e., regular work hours).

What are the benefits of participation in the study?

Your participation will help DCoE better understand the needs and experiences of chaplains and chaplain assistants/religious program specialists serving as gatekeepers for suicide prevention.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

We would be happy to answer any questions you might have about the study or your participation.

The principal investigator of the study at RAND is Dr. Rajeev Ramchand. You can reach him at rramchand12@rand.org or you can call him at 800-447-2631 extension 5096.

You may also contact RAND's Human Subjects Protection Office at hspcadmin@rand.org or at 800-447-2631 extension 6369.

Again, you may withdraw your consent at any time and discontinue participation without penalty.