Improving Caregiver Outcomes Through Structured Support Via Military Caregiver Peer Forums

Initial Outreach Email

OMB CONTROL NUMBER: XXXX-XXXX

OMB EXPIRATION DATE: XX/XX/XXXX

Dear XXX,

I am a researcher working at the RAND Corporation. As you may have heard, the RAND Corporation is working with the Department of Defense to assess how the Military Caregiver PEER forums are used, how those who participate benefit from them, and how the program complements other social services available to caregivers.

As a key stakeholder involved with this program, we are hoping you will be willing to speak with us about your perspectives on these issues and to share with us:

• What you see as some of the challenges facing military caregivers;

• How you think the Military Caregiver PEER forums are addressing some of these needs; and

• How you think the Military Caregiver PEER forums complement other programs available to military caregivers.

I am writing to ask if you would be willing to schedule a time that works for you to speak with us about these important issues. We suspect that the discussion will take 45 minutes to an hour of your time. If you are willing to speak with us, we kindly ask that you send us potential dates and times that work best for you. Someone from our team will be contacting you shortly to follow-up with you about this possibility.

If you have any questions about this interview or this study please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at 703-413-1100 extension 5096 or via email at ramchand@rand.org. For questions about your rights as a research participant, please contact RAND Human Subjects Protection Committee at 310-393-0411, ext. 7173.

Thank you for your consideration,

Rajeev Ramchand, PhD

Senior Behavioral Scientist

Principal Investigator

Confirmation Email

OMB CONTROL NUMBER: XXXX-XXXX

OMB EXPIRATION DATE: XX/XX/XXXX

Dear XXX,

Thank you for scheduling a time to speak with us about the Military Caregiver PEER forums. We look forward to talking to you on DATE at TIME.

In preparation for that conversation, we have attached a consent form that reiterates that your participation in our research study is voluntary, describes how we plan to use the information you tell us, and tells you about your rights as a participant in the research. We ask that you take a few minutes to please read this document before our scheduled interview. We will confirm that you have read this document and answer any questions you may have about it when we speak.

If you have any questions about this interview or this study please do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at 703-413-1100 extension 5096 or via email at ramchand@rand.org. For questions about your rights as a research participant, please contact RAND Human Subjects Protection Committee at 310-393-0411, ext. 7173.

Thank you for your consideration,

Rajeev Ramchand, PhD

Senior Behavioral Scientist

Principal Investigator