Informed Consent

Introduction

The title of this research study is Burnout, Primary Patient Care Category, and Age of the Physical Therapist as a predictor of Symptoms of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physical Therapists.

My name is Melissa Green, and I am a doctoral student under the supervision of Dr. Loraine Fernandez in the College of Doctoral Studies at Grand Canyon University.

The purpose of this study is to determine if burnout, primary patient care category, and age of a physical therapist, predict if there are symptoms, or no symptoms of work-related muscle or joint problems in physical therapist in the United States.

Key Information

This document defines the terms and conditions if you consent to participate in this research study.

How do I know if I can be in this study?

You can participate in this study if you are:

· A Licensed Physical Therapist and have a minimum of one year of clinical experience

· A Licensed Physical Therapist that works with patients 35 hours a week or more.

· A Licensed Physical Therapist who is working in any of the following settings: acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, home health, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient.

· Willing to answer required personal, demographic questions related to age.

· Are 18 years of age or older.

· There are no exclusions for this study.

Research Activities: What am I being asked to do?

What?

Complete a survey that asks you for a few types of information. The information on the survey includes information about your age, gender, and the patient care category that you work with the most. The survey also includes items about burnout. There are also items about symptoms of work-related muscle and bone problems. Overall, this survey should take about 20 minutes.

When?

You will only be asked to complete one survey.

Where?

You complete the survey on your own time at your own location. You will need access to a computer or smart device to take the online survey.

How?

The data for this research study will be collected using an online survey. The online survey is through a secure research platform called Survey Monkey.

Who will have access to my data/information?

I will have access to all of your data and information. Also, my dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process. Your responses are anonymous.

Am I required to participate in this study?

No, you are not required to participate. Your participation in this study is completely voluntary. After reading this informed consent, you can decide if you want to complete the survey or not. Also, if you choose to participate and then change your mind, you can leave the survey at any time, even if you have not finished. There is no penalty for exiting the survey. If you decide to stop participating, you may do so by exiting the survey and not completing the survey. If so, I will not use the information that I collected from you before you chose to stop.
Any possible risks or discomforts?

There are no anticipated risks or discomforts associated with this study.

Any direct benefits for me?

No

Any paid compensation or incentives for my time?

You will not get paid for your participation.

Presentation of Information Collected

The research data will be presented in many ways. This will include publication as a dissertation and possible presentation at a physical therapy conference. This may also include presentations to leaders of organizations. If approved, it is possible this data will be published in a research journal article. The data will be presented in a groups manner and individual data will not be reported.

Privacy and Data Security

Will researchers ever be able to link my data/responses back to me?

No

Will my initial data include information that can identify me (names, addresses, or other identifying material, such as audio, specific demographics, etc.)

There will be no information that can directly identify you.

Will researchers assign my data/responses a research ID code to use instead of my name?

You will not be asked to provide your name at any point during participation of this study. After you complete the survey, a random research ID code will be assigned to your data in Survey Monkey.

If yes, how will researchers create a list to link names with their research ID codes?
Names will not be collected during the survey, only a random research ID code will be assigned as a part of this anonymous survey.

If yes, how will researchers secure the link of names and research ID codes? How long will the link be kept? Who has access? What is the approximate destruction date?

The random research ID code will be assigned to your survey. The link will be kept for three years on a secure password protected account and computer. The data will be destroyed and officially deleted from the computer after three years.

How and where will my data be protected (electronic and hardcopy)?

Data will be protected in a password protected account within Survey Monkey. Also, data will be imported into an Excel spreadsheet and SPSS on a password protected computer. Data will also be backed up with a password protected USB drive and stored in a locked drawer in the researchers personal dwelling.

Will artificial intelligence (AI) software be used?

No

How long will the data be kept in the protected space?

The minimum is three years.

Who will have access to the protected data?

I will have access to all of your data and information. My dissertation chair, committee members, and all College of Doctoral Studies Reviewers may view your information and your answers as part of the dissertation review process.

What is the privacy policy for Survey Monkey?
Where and how will the signed informed consent forms be secured?


The signed informed consent will be kept with the data in a secure password protected account. This will also be located on a password protected computer.

Future Research

There will be no specific information collected for this study that identifies you directly. The information could be used for future research studies or distributed to other investigators for future research studies without additional informed consent from you or your legally authorized representative.

Study Contacts

If you have any questions about the research study or your participation in the study you can contact Melissa Green at MGreen108@my.gcu.edu,and phone number 502- 593-4223. You can ask any questions before or after your informed consent.

If you have questions about your rights as a subject/participant in this research, or if you feel you have been placed at risk, you can contact the Chair of the Human Subjects Institutional Review Board through the College of Doctoral Studies at IRB@gcu.edu: (602) 639-7804.

Question Title

* 1. Voluntary Consent

Participant Rights

  • You had a chance to read about the study and ask questions.
  • You have been given enough time to decide if you want to join the study.
  • You have read and understand the terms and conditions and agree to take part in this research study.
  • You understand your participation is voluntary and that you may stop participating at any time without penalty.

Question Title

* 2. Please state the date and time of this consent.

Date
Time

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