Introduction - Participant Information (please read)

You are invited to participate in the research project identified above which is being conducted by Scott Fitzpatrick, Donna Read and Hazel Dalton from the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) at The University of Newcastle.

Why is the research being done?
The purpose of the research is to evaluate the Books on Prescription scheme being piloted by Central West Libraries. Specifically, this component of the evaluation aims to understand the effectiveness of the scheme and its resources.

Who can participate in the research?
You are invited to participate if you have read or been referred one of the titles on the NSW Books on Prescription scheme booklist.

What choice do you have?
Participation in this research is entirely your choice. Only those people who give their informed consent will be included in the project. Whether or not you decide to participate, your decision will not disadvantage you or your relationship with local library services or with your health care provider. If you do decide to participate, you may withdraw from the project at any time prior to submitting your completed survey. Your submission of the completed survey will be taken as indicating your informed consent.  Please note that due to the anonymous nature of the survey, you will not be able to withdraw your response after it has been submitted.

What would you be asked to do?
If you agree to participate you will be asked to complete a short survey. This survey asks about your engagement with the Books on Prescription scheme and your perception of its usefulness. You can complete the survey online or it can be mailed to you (with a reply-paid envelope). Please see below for contact information or to find a link to the online survey.

How much time will it take?
The survey will take approximately 5 minutes to complete.   

What are the risks and benefits of participating?
It is considered that the risks to you in participating in this study are minimal. Should you find any of the questions upsetting, you can stop your participation at any time.

You can also contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Mental Health Line on 1800 011 511 should you wish to seek support regarding any of the issues raised within the survey.

There are minimal potential benefits for you in participating. However, by providing feedback on the Books on Prescription scheme you will assist in improving the effectiveness of the scheme and its resources. This will assist in decision-making about future development of the scheme.

How will your privacy be protected?
The collected data will be stored securely on a password protected computer by the researchers identified in this document. Data will be retained for at least 5 years at the University of Newcastle by the researchers and will be destroyed after this period in accordance with University Policy. Due to the anonymous nature of the survey the responses you provide will not be identifiable.

How will the information collected be used?
The data collected in the evaluation process may be used in national and international conference presentations and may appear in academic journal articles. A short report may also be published for key stakeholders at the conclusion of the project. A summary of results will be available to the public at the completion of the research by request to the research team. This summary will be available at the NSW Books on Prescription scheme website or by contacting the researchers after 1 November 2017.  Individual participants will not be named or identified in any of these publications, although individual anonymous responses may be quoted.
What do you need to do to participate?
Please read this Information Statement and be sure you understand its contents before you consent to participate.  If there is anything you do not understand, or you have questions, please contact a member of the research team (see below for contact details). 

If you would like to participate, please complete the online survey.

To request a paper version of the survey please contact Scott Fitzpatrick, Locked Bag 6005, Orange, NSW 2800. Tel: 02 6363 8464

Completion and submission of the survey will be taken as implying your consent to participate.

Further information
If you would like further information please contact Scott Fitzpatrick (tel: 02 6363 8464; email scott.fitzpatrick@newcastle.edu.au) or Donna Read (tel: 0263638474; email donna.read@newcastle.edu.au). 

Thank you for considering this invitation. 

Scott Fitzpatrick                                                                                    
Chief Investigator     
 

Complaints about this research
This project has been approved by the University’s Human Research Ethics Committee, Approval No. H-2015-0403.

Should you have concerns about your rights as a participant in this research, or you have a complaint about the manner in which the research is conducted, it may be given to the researcher, or, if an independent person is preferred, to the Human Research Ethics Officer, Research Office, The Chancellery, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan NSW 2308, Australia, telephone (02) 49216333, email Human-Ethics@newcastle.edu.au.

 
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