The Study Process

Study Phases

Phase 1: Qualitative Interviews

Interviews are the first phase of RESTART. We are interviewing researchers who conduct HIV and sexual health-related research, mental health clinicians who provide trauma-informed care to trans and nonbinary communities, and finally, trans and nonbinary community members who have previously participated in HIV and sexual health-related research.

The information we collect from these interviews will be used to create a preliminary list of strategies and guidelines for developing and implementing a trauma-informed approach to research.

Phase 2: Consensus-Building Process

Through a Delphi process, community members, researchers, and mental health clinicians will vote on and ultimately decide which strategies and recommendations will make up the final set of guidelines and recommendations.

Everyone who participates in an interview during Phase 1 will be invited to take part in Phase 2.

Phase 3: Dissemination and Beyond

To close out RESTART, our study team will create a document detailing the guidelines for implementing a trauma-informed approach to research that will be widely disseminated.

Once this document is completed, we will invite participants to a 1-day virtual convening where we will be presenting and discussing the final guidelines document and plans for dissemination.

TL;DR*

*Too long; didn’t read — in case you didn’t read all of the words above, here’s a breakdown of the phases.

Phase 1: Qualitative Interviews

  • Researchers

  • Mental health clinicians

  • Community members

Phase 2: Consensus-Building Process

  • Develop guidelines via Delphi process

→

Phase 3: Dissemination and Beyond

  • Guidelines finalized

  • 1-day virtual convening

  • Broad dissemination of guidelines

→

We want this study to ensure that future research methods are trauma-informed, actively de-stigmatizing, and contribute to change in the culture of how research is conducted and implemented.

Who is eligible to participate?

Participants are eligible to participate in this study if they:

  • Are an investigator who conducts HIV and sexual health-related research with trans and nonbinary individuals, OR

  • Are a mental health clinician in the US with 5+ years of experience, a master’s or doctorate degree, specialize in LGBTQ+ populations and have treated at least 5 trans/nonbinary clients, have specialized training or engage in specialized practice in trauma recovery, OR

  • Are transgender, nonbinary, or are otherwise not cisgender and have participated in at least one study related to HIV prevention and/or care, including sexual health, and are at least 18 years old

Note: We’re working on analysis of the data from Phase 1 right now and are not currently recruiting participants.

You can reach out to us if you would like to get in touch directly with the study team.

If you are interested in staying up-to-date with the project and learning more as we share findings from the study and other information, you can sign up for our mailing list.