You are being invited to take part in a research study being conducted by researchers from the Social Policy Research Unit at the University of York. This study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research. It has been reviewed and approved by [name of local PCT R&D office] Primary Care Trust Research and Development Office, the [name of REC] and the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services.
Before you decide whether you wish to take part or not, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please read the following information carefully and take your time to decide whether you wish to take part.
What is the purpose of the study?
We are interested in learning about the experiences of staff using the outcome checklist, developed earlier in this project and based on views of service users and carers, as part of routine practice with new clients in the [name of integrated community team]. We want to hear your opinions about how this worked in
practice, barriers and facilitators to its use, and whether it has had any impact on your practice or the practice of the team more widely.
Why have I been contacted?
You have been identified as being a member of the [name of integrated community team] and as having experience of using the outcome checklist in practice.
What are the benefits of this research?
The information you provide will be invaluable in understanding the factors that influence the feasibility of using these types of checklists in practice and to identify factors that may make their implementation successful.
The information that you provide will be crucial when it comes to developing the outcome checklist for use in other community-based teams that are co-ordinating care, within and across services and sectors, for people with neurological conditions.
Will my taking part in a group interview be kept confidential?
The research team will keep your involvement in the study, and the information that you provide, confidential. Similarly, your colleagues involved in the group interview, will be required to keep your involvement in the study, and the information that you provide, confidential unless you decide between you that some information can be shared with other team members to aid learning and development. There are rare circumstances where the researcher is required to disclose someone’s participation to a third party. However, this will only happen if the researcher is extremely concerned about the participant’s well-being. We will not tell the third party anything that was said in the interview unless it is directly related to the reason we were concerned.
A personal identification number will be used throughout the research for each participant and all data will be anonymised. Data will be held in accordance with the 1998 Data Protection Act and University of York Ordinances.
Will taking part in an interview affect my employment?
No, taking part in the research will not affect your employment in any way. Similarly, if you decide not to take part your employment will not be affected in any way. It is up to you whether or not you decide to take part and your decision will be kept completely confidential.
What will taking part involve?
If you would like to take part, you will need to complete the response form, indicating that you are happy to take part in a group interview, and return it to me in the enclosed freepost envelope. Please retain this information sheet.
I will then contact you to answer any questions you may have. I will contact all members of the [name of integrated community team] who have agreed to take part in a group interview and arrange the interview for a time that suits the most people.
On the day of the group interview there will be further opportunity for you to ask questions and raise concerns. If you are still happy to go ahead, I will ask you to complete a consent form (a copy of which will be given to you for your records).
The group interview will take approximately one and a half hours, but no more than two hours and give you an opportunity to describe your views fully and discuss your opinions with your colleagues. It will be audio-recorded (with the permission of everyone participating). Recordings will be destroyed when the research is complete.
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If you do decide to take part, you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason.
What if I choose not to take part?
Participation in this research is entirely voluntary. If you choose not to take part, just complete the top half of the response form indicating your choice and return it to me in the freepost envelope so that I do not contact you again. You do not have to provide a reason or complete the demographic form, but doing so would enable me to understand your reasons for declining to participate which might help when planning future studies. (Note:your reasons will be recorded anonymously.)
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact [name of researcher] on [telephone number] email [email address].
Thank You.