CONSENT FORM
Study Title
Improving Sleep Quality and Reducing Anxiety Using Progressive Muscle Relaxation in Registered Nurses: A Quality Improvement Project
Invitation to Participate
You are being asked to participate in an online research study led by Sherri Lynch, RN, MSN, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) student at Keiser University.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether a guided progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) intervention can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms among registered nurses. Sleep quality will be measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and anxiety symptoms will be measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7).
Procedures
If you choose to participate, you will be asked to:
Complete an online survey at the beginning of the study (approximately 10–15 minutes)
Engage in a daily guided relaxation session using a provided YouTube video for approximately four weeks
Complete a second online survey at the end of the study (approximately 10–15 minutes)
Total participation time is approximately 20–30 minutes across the study period.
Risks
This study involves minimal risk. The intervention consists of a guided relaxation exercise and answering survey questions about sleep and anxiety. Some participants may experience mild emotional discomfort when reflecting on sleep or stress.
Benefits
There are no guaranteed direct benefits to you. However, you may experience improved relaxation or sleep. Your participation may contribute to research on improving sleep and well-being among nurses.
Confidentiality
This survey is anonymous. No identifying information will be collected as part of the study surveys.
If you choose to provide contact information for follow-up communication, this information will be collected through a separate form and will not be linked to your survey responses.
Voluntary Participation
Your participation is entirely voluntary. You may choose not to participate or stop participating at any time without penalty. You may exit the survey at any time. Only completed responses will be included in the study.
IRB Information
This study has been submitted for review by the Keiser University Institutional Review Board (IRB).
If you have questions about your rights as a participant, you may contact the IRB Chair at (954) 318-1620.
Participant Code
To keep your responses anonymous while allowing your surveys to be matched over time, you will create a personal participant code.
Please create a code that is easy for you to remember but does not directly identify you.
For example, you may combine two letters and two numbers of your choosing.
Example: AB42.
Please write down or save your Participant Code. You will need to enter the same code again in the follow-up survey.
Contact Information
Principal Investigator
Sherri Lynch, RN, MSN
Email: s.lynch16@student.keiseruniversity.edu
Phone: 917-774-1639
Faculty Advisor
Dr. MaryJane Mindlin, PhD, RN, CNM
Email: Mary.Mindlin@KeiserUniversity.edu
Phone: 386-405-3245
Consent Statement
By selecting “Yes, I agree” below, you indicate that you are at least 18 years of age, have read and understood the information provided, and voluntarily agree to participate in this study. You may exit the survey at any time without penalty.