Introduction to the Special Section: The Costs and Benefits of Working With Pooled Data

Abstract

Five articles appear in a special section of this issue of the journal reporting analyses of data pooled from clinical trials funded by the Department of Defense on interventions for active-duty service members and veterans at risk of suicide. An overview of the studies contributing data and participant characteristics is provided. The rationale for pooling data along with the costs and benefits of such efforts is discussed. It is concluded that utilizing pooled data, in keeping with efforts being conducted by other large funders of clinical trials, is challenging but that the benefits outweigh the costs. The articles in the special section are useful for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers.

Keywords:

• Suicide
• attempted suicide
• suicidal ideation
• evidence-based practice
• service member
• veterans