Help us understand the power of archaeology
DigVentures has teamed up with friends at the American Veterans Archaeological Recovery (AVAR) to figure out how much archaeology can help veterans integrating back into civilian life.
AVAR is a registered American charity and, like the British based Operation Nightingale program upon which it is based, AVAR places wounded, injured, and sick veterans and serving soldiers on archeological excavations to aid them in their transition to civilian life.
We all know that the power of archaeology is strong, and work on similar projects has produced some brilliant results. The team at AVAR are keen to map out the effects of archaeology on both physical and mental health and have asked DigVentures if some of our Venturers might be able to help them develop the right tools for the job.
How can I help?
Stephen Humphreys, CEO of AVAR, is looking for people to answer an online survey, specifically designed to measure these effects. In order to demonstrate the impacts of taking part in an archaeological excavation, we need to evaluate the effect of participation. To make that work, Stephen needs a control group of non-veteran participants, so that we have a baseline and can compare data from different groups.
That’s why we’re asking all our Barrowed Time Venturers to consider taking part in this important project.
If you have any questions you’d like to ask in advance of the dig, just email Manda (manda@digventures.com). Stephen Humphreys will also be joining us at the dig, so you can also find out a bit more about the project while in the trenches.
The details
The survey, known as the Pain Assessment Screening Tool and Outcomes Registry, was developed within the American Department of Defence to measure levels of chronic pain in individual American veterans and serving soldiers, and the manner in which this pain impacts all aspects of their lives. Each time the survey is taken it provides a ‘snapshot’ of the participants’ pain levels. By taking the survey multiple times, it can be used to show how pain and its effects are increasing or decreasing.
The survey focuses on chronic pain and is intended to address a very specific audience (veterans). This demonstration will allow you to see exactly what the survey looks like before you take part – you can simply click through and no data will be collected.
What do I need to do?
The survey can be taken online from any computer with access to the internet. All data is stored on a secure server and volunteers’ names and personal information will not be recorded. Neither DigVentures nor AVAR will be able to identify the individuals taking part – the data we look at will be anonymous.
You need to take the survey three times. Once within 48 hours prior to beginning excavation, and a second within 48 hours prior to departing the excavation. To help us look into longer term impacts, we also ask you take the survey after six weeks. It will take about 30 minutes to complete in each case.
Taking part
We will send out links to the survey shortly before you join the dig, and shortly after. We will also send out a final survey six weeks later.
There is absolutely no obligation to take part and we will totally understand if do not want to take the survey.
You can either ignore the survey prompts we email you, or you can email Manda (manda@digventures.com) to opt out completely.
