1. Participant Information Sheet and Consent Form

Title: Online case conference for Physiotherapists in the Emergency Department
Protocol Number: 38.16
Principal Investigator: Matthew Sutton
Associate Investigator: Paula Harding
Location: Online

1          Introduction
You are invited to take part in this research project, “Online case conference for Physiotherapists in the Emergency Department”. This is because you have been identified as a physiotherapist working in the Emergency Department (ED). The research project is aiming to establish and evaluate the effectiveness of an online case conference as an appropriate professional development activity for Physiotherapists working in ED.
This Participant Information Sheet/Consent Form tells you about the research project. It explains the research involved. Knowing what is involved will help you decide if you want to take part in the research.
Please read this information carefully. Ask questions about anything that you don’t understand or want to know more about.
Participation in this research is voluntary. If you don’t wish to take part, you don’t have to.
If you decide you want to take part in the research project, you will be asked to agree to participate. By agreeing you are telling us that you:
• Understand what you have read
• Consent to take part in the research project
• Consent to the research that is described
• Consent to the use of your personal information as described.
Please print a copy of this Participant Information and Consent Form to keep.

2          What is the purpose of this research?
This project will investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of an online case conferencing format specifically for physiotherapists working in ED. This project is supported by Flinders University, Adelaide and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne.

3          What does participation in this research involve?
You are invited to participate in quarterly online case conferences, approximately one hour in duration. You will need a computer or mobile device with a wi-fi connection. You will have an opportunity to volunteer as a presenter of a case study that you have experienced, or you may participate as an observer. Observers will have an opportunity to ask questions throughout the conferences. 
You will be asked to complete a five item online survey today to establish your expression of interest in being involved in this project. If you are interested, you will be asked to provide an email contact. After two case conferences (approximately 6 months’ time), you will be asked to complete a 10 minute survey asking you about your experiences and level of satisfaction with the online case conferences. All responses will be anonymous. This is voluntary and there is no cost associated with involvement.
This research project has been designed to make sure the researchers interpret the results in a fair and appropriate way and avoids study doctors or participants jumping to conclusions. 
There are no costs associated with participating in this research project, nor will you be paid.

4          What are the possible benefits of taking part?
Involvement in this study may provide a professional learning opportunity as well as potential networking opportunities.

5          What are the possible risks and disadvantages of taking part?
There are no foreseeable risks associated with involvement in this study.
6          What if I withdraw from this research project?
If you decide to withdraw from this research project, please notify a member of the research team before you withdraw. A member of the research team will inform you if there are any special requirements linked to withdrawing. If you do withdraw your consent during the research project, the relevant study staff will not collect additional personal information from you, although personal information already collected will be retained to ensure that the results of the research project can be measured properly and to comply with law.

7          What happens when the research project ends?
It is anticipated that the online case conferences will continue if there is sufficient evidence to support the effectiveness and feasibility of them.

8          What will happen to information about me?
The only personal data collected as part of this study is your email address to allow communication for participation in the online case conferences. This information will not be used in any other way. Survey responses are completely anonymous.
It is anticipated that the results of this research project will be published and/or presented in a variety of forums. In any publication and/or presentation, information will be provided in such a way that you cannot be identified, except with your permission.

9          Who is organising and funding the research?
This research project is being conducted by Matthew Sutton (Flinders University, Adelaide) and Paula Harding (The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne).

10        Who has reviewed the research project?
All research in Australia involving humans is reviewed by an independent group of people called a Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).  The ethical aspects of this research project have been approved by the HREC of Southern Adelaide Clinical Human Research Ethics Committee.
This project will be carried out according to the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research (2007). This statement has been developed to protect the interests of people who agree to participate in human research studies.

11        Further information and who to contact
The person you may need to contact will depend on the nature of your query.
If you want any further information concerning this project you can contact the principal investigator, Matthew Sutton on (08) 7221 8366, or email matthew.sutton@flinders.edu.au.
If you have any complaints about any aspect of the project, the way it is being conducted or any questions about being a research participant in general, then you may contact:
Damian Creaser, Ethics Officer
Southern Adelaide Clinical Human Research Ethics Committee
Telephone  (08) 8204 6453
Email   Health.SALHNOfficeforResearch@sa.gov.au

Declaration by Participant

Clicking on the "Yes" button below indicates that:

I have read the Participant Information Sheet.

I understand the purposes, procedures and risks of the research described in the project.

I have had an opportunity to ask questions and I am satisfied with the answers I have received.

I freely agree to participate in this research project as described and understand that I am free to withdraw at any time during the project.

I understand that by completing and submitting this electronic survey I am giving my consent to participate in this study according to the terms outlined above.

Please print a copy of this Information Sheet and Consent Form for your records.         

 

Question Title

* 1. Do you consent to being involved in this study?

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