Participant Information Leaflet
Study title: Current Practice of non-verbal communication in the dental surgery and acceptability of a proposed communication system: A cross-sectional survey
Principal investigator’s name: Paul O’Dwyer
Principal investigator’s title: PhD Candidate
Telephone number of principal investigator: 087 67 94 954
Consultant/co-investigator’s name: Prof Frank Doyle
Consultant/co-investigator’s title: Associate Professor
Consultant/co-investigator’s name: Prof Emma Wallace
Consultant/co-investigator’s title: Professor
Data Controller’s/joint Controller’s Identity: School of Population Health, RCSI
Data Controller’s/joint Controller’s Contact Details: School of Population Health, RCSI
Data Protection Officer’s Identity: Paul O’Dwyer
Data Protection Officer’s Contact Details: paulodwyer@rcsi.com
You are being invited to take part in a research study to be carried out at The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland by Paul O’Dwyer, School of Population Health, RCSI.
You should clearly understand the risks and benefits of taking part in this study so that you can make a decision that is right for you. This process is known as ‘Informed Consent’.
You don't have to take part in this study
You can change your mind about taking part in the study any time you like. Even if the study has started, you can still opt out. You don't have to give us a reason.
Why is this study being done? Dental operative procedures, by their interventive nature, impede the opportunity for peri-intervention verbal communication between patients and clinicians. This can impair trust, consent, and shared decision making with the potential of adversely affecting patient dignity, and potentially resulting in suboptimal clinical outcomes. This study will 1) examine current practice of non-verbal communication during peri-interventive procedures, and 2) explore the acceptability of a proposed hand-signaling communication strategy that aims to overcome these issues.
Who is organising and funding this study?
This study is being undertaken as part of doctoral research at the School of Population Health at RCSI – with dental surgeon, Dr Paul O’Dwyer seeking your opinion on communication within the dental surgery. The study has not received any funding.
Why am I being asked to take part?
Your views, as a dental practitioner will help 1) inform the current status of communication in the dental surgery and 2) determine the acceptability of a proposed hand-signaling communication strategy which could address some issues.
How will the study be carried out?
This is a cross-sectional questionnaire survey, which can be completed online
What will happen to me if I agree to take part?
You will be asked to answer 29 questions about current non-verbal communication practice and a proposed hand-signaling system. This questionnaire will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.
What are the benefits?
By answering this survey, you are providing much-needed knowledge about current practice and how a potential solution could be assessed and implemented. There is very little information available on this so your contributions will help fill an important gap in our knowledge and help patient care.
What are the risks?
There are no risks associated with participation.
Will it cost me anything to take part?
No, there is no cost to you except your time to complete the questionnaire.
Is the study confidential?
Yes – all information and responses given are anonymous. We will not be able to trace back any responses to any individual.