Bunnell BE, Davidson TM, Hamblen JL. (2017). Protocol for the evaluation of a digital storytelling approach to address stigma and improve readiness to seek services among veterans. Pilot and Feasibility Studies. 3(7). doi: 10.1186/s40814-017-0121-3
AboutFace is an internet-based digital storytelling (DST) intervention for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) launched by the National Center for PTSD. AboutFace was developed to raise awareness of PTSD, help veterans recognize their symptoms, and encourage veterans to seek treatment. AboutFace allows veterans and family members navigate their way through several videos clips of a diverse group of veterans, family members, and clinicians telling their own stories. Video clips cover several different topics including how veterans knew they had PTSD, what PTSD was like for veterans’ loved ones, what treatment was like for other veterans and advice for veterans. Users can also provide advice to other veterans. Researchers plan to conduct usability testing with 20 veterans with PTSD who will use the site while being observed and participate in individual semi-structured interviews. Results from usability testing will be provided to the National Center for PTSD to refine the site. Researchers will then conduct feasibility testing with a sample of 60 veterans with PTSD randomized to use AboutFace or receive educational materials. Veterans will complete qualitative and quantitative assessments during a phone interview at baseline and two months after enrollment to evaluate PTSD symptomology, access to services, and usage and perceptions of the website.