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Web Programme Consultation – Information Sheet and Consent Form
What is the purpose of the web programme consultation?
Researchers at Canterbury Christ Church University a running a study to investigate whether compassionate ways of thinking and relating to oneself and others are related to the well-being of mothers in the first year after having a baby. The study is being run by Isobel Gammer (Trainee Clinical Psychologist) under the supervision of Dr Fergal Jones (Clinical Psychologist) and Dr Charlotte Hartley-Jones (Clinical Psychologist). It has been approved by the Canterbury Christ Church
University Independent Research Review Panel and Ethics Committee. You are invited to participate in a consultation about the proposed online self-help programme. The purpose of the consultation is to get your feedback about the new programme. Hearing about your experiences and suggestions may help us to decide what to include, what not to and how to make the study most acceptable to participants who take part after you.
What will taking part in the web programme consultation involve?
If you choose to participate in this consultation, you will be emailed a link for the website and a log- on and password to access the self-help programme. You will have access for three weeks and will
e i ited to look a ou d the i te e tio , goi g to a pa ts of it and reading the information and trying the exercises. The email will also contain some questions to think about as you do this. You will receive email reminders about the programme once or twice a week.
After three weeks, you will receive an email asking for your feedback on the new web programme. We will ask about the design of the website, the content of the programme (e.g. whether the written information clear and relevant to you, whether the exercises are helpful), about how long you think you would need or be able to spend on the website and exercises. We would also like feedback about when we should ask participants to complete some questionnaires and whether email reminders are helpful or not. You will be able to choose if you would like to give feedback by email or over the phone.
Do I have to take part?
No, it is up to you to decide to join the study. If you agree to take part, we will ask you to complete the consent part of this form. After this you can withdraw at any time and you do not have to give a reason for this.
What are the possible benefits and risks of taking part?
Your participation may benefit other mothers by helping to ensure the study is acceptable to them. It may also help produce higher quality research by letting the researchers know about ways to improve the online self-help programme.
We do not anticipate any significant risks of taking part. However, the questionnaires or information could draw your attention to some difficult thoughts or feelings you may be experiencing. We are unable to provide psychological support services and we will not be following up with you after the consultation. However, if you feel distressed or have any concerns, we suggest seeking support from your doctor (GP).
Will my taking part in this study be kept confidential?
All information obtained by researchers in the consultation will be kept strictly confidential. No-one other than the researchers will be told you are taking part. The only exception to this is if you let us know something that suggests there is a risk of harm to you or someone else. In this case the researchers have a responsibility to tell other agencies what they need to in order to ensure everyone is as safe as possible.
Electronic notes from your feedback emails and/or telephone conversations group will be stored on encrypted devices (hard drives or USB sticks) only and the original emails will be deleted straight away. Participants will be assigned a participant number and your name or any other identifying information e.g. ou hild e s a es ill ot appea i the ele t o i otes o ou feed a k. Paper records, including this consent form will be stored in a locked cabinet, and all identifying information and contact details will be securely destroyed on completion if the study. Anonyised notes will be retained for up to five years with other anonymous study data, after which time they will be securely destroyed.
Where can I get more information?
If you have any questions or concerns about this focus group, please contact Isobel Gammer (Trainee Clinical Psychologist).
Address: Salomons Centre for applied Psychology, Canterbury Christ Church University, Runcie Court, David Salomons Estate, Broomhill Road, Southborough, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN3 0TF. Email: [email protected] Study mobile number: 07873 864242
Consent
By signing this consent form, you are indicating that you fully understand the above information, you have had the chance to ask questions, you are happy to be contacted by email and you consent to participate in this web programme consultation as part of the research study.
Email address: ___________________________________________________ Telephone number: _______________________________________________ Participant's signature: ____________________________________________
Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) information sheet