Research and Studies
Health research and social research publications
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs carries out a wide range of research to support the health and wellbeing needs of veterans and families of veterans. This page brings together a range of DVA commissioned research, evaluations and literature reviews.
Readers should note that some older publications may reflect the evidence base and policy context at the time they were produced and may not fully align with current research, practice, or priorities.
A list of current projects can be seen at Current Research Projects.
Active Choices: A ‘stepped-down’ program to promote self-managed physical activity in DVA clients Summary Report (2021)
2021Self-managing physical activity can be challenging and programs that help DVA clients to manage their own physical activity regimes are needed. This project developed and trialled a new physical activity support program for DVA clients called Active Choices
Dental and Allied Health Reforms
2021A reform package in the 2018–19 Budget provided funding to further improve our dental and allied health services through a number of initiatives.
Review of DVA Dental and Allied Health Arrangements – Final Report
2021As part of the 2015-16 Budget, the Australian Government committed the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to review its dental and allied health funding arrangements.
Risk factors for ex-serving defence personnel to enter corrective services systems
2021This Rapid Evidence Assessment investigates the research literature analysing the risk factors for ex-serving personnel entering corrective services systems in Australia and/or other relevant jurisdictions.
Strategic Research Framework 2019-2021
2021The Strategic Research Framework (SRF) sets out the principles, objectives and priorities for DVA to facilitate research and evaluation in areas of special strength or need as identified in priority research areas.
The Tasmanian veteran needs assessment and wellbeing support service feasibility report
2021The Tasmanian Feasibility Study, commissioned by the Commonwealth and Tasmanian Governments, engaged with veterans and their families, Ex-service Organisations and service providers to collect data on the current service delivery environment in Tasmania. The study shows support for more local and accessible services for veterans and their families in Tasmania.
‘Stepped-down’ Intervention Programs to Promote Self-managed Physical Activity in Service Veterans and their Dependants
2019The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to: 1) examine the scientific literature for evidence on the effectiveness of interventions to promote self-managed physical activity in service veterans and/or their dependants; 2) assess studies that compared the effectiveness of ‘stepped-down’ models of PA self-management to ‘usual care’ controls and; 3) identify key behaviour change techniques that have been used in these studies to successfully promote physical activity change.
Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme - Key Findings (2020)
2019The Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme Key Findings is the final of eight reports and two papers comprising the Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme. It summarises and consolidates the
Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme - Technology Use and Wellbeing Report (2019)
2019This report investigates technology and its use for physical and mental health programs.
What is the effectiveness of outreach services for improving mental health?
2019The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to assess the evidence related to outreach services for increasing quality of life, promoting access to services, and increasing functioning and mental health among adults with PTSD, depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, alcohol-use disorder, or substance-use disorder.