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.
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
Measuring Occupational Exposures to Osteoarthritis in the Lower Limb in ADF Job Categories (2019)
2019This project studies the risk factors for osteoarthritis in the lower limb in the ADF community through the analysis of current and historical ADF training courses, and relevant claims data.
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.
Transition And Wellbeing Research Programme: Family Wellbeing Study (2019)
2019The Family Wellbeing Study focuses on how families are faring at two of the major stages of a military career: during service, and in the first years after the transition to civilian life.
Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme - Impact of Combat Report (2019)
2019Examines the changes over time in the mental, physical and neurocognitive health of participants of the Middle East Area of Operations Prospective Health Study.
Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme - Mental health changes over time: a longitudinal perspective report (2019)
2019Examines the shifts in mental health status over a five-year period in those who have transitioned out of military service.
Transition and Wellbeing Research Programme - Technology Use and Wellbeing Report (2019)
2019This report investigates technology and its use for physical and mental health programs.
Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study
2018The 'Veterans’ Advocacy and Support Services Scoping Study' led by Mr Robert Cornall AO was released in December 2018. The aim of this study was to recommend the most suitable advocacy model for
The role of meditational practices and mindfulness in improving mental health
2018The aim of this rapid evidence assessment (REA) was to assess the evidence related to meditation and mindfulness practices (meditation, transcendental meditation, mantra, yoga, and mindfulness) for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) in adults.
Is online video counselling at least equally acceptable and equally as effective as in-person counselling?
2018The aim of this Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA) was to investigate the efficacy of one-to-one online video counselling for the treatment of adults with mental health concerns and compare this treatment with traditional in-person counselling in terms of clinical outcomes, therapeutic alliance, client satisfaction and attrition.