Part 2
When will training begin?
Once you and the person you care for have completed the initial questionnaires, we will randomly allocate you to begin Recovery Mentor training either now or after a waiting period of 6 months. As part of the Recovery Mentor training you will be required to watch the SUCCEED DVD (which we will loan you) and be available for email contact with your Recovery Coach, over a 4 week period. You need to be able to contact your coach at least twice a week, and complete assignments. The email coach will receive professional supervision during your contact.
Who will know I’m taking part and who will be able to see the answers I give on the questionnaire?
The only people that will know you are taking part are our research team, the person you care for, and the medical professionals involved in your treatment. We won’t share the answers you give on the questionnaire with the person you care for.
The information you give us on the survey will be kept separately from your name and contact details, so it is completely anonymised. This anonymous data will then be shared with the other researchers for the study, and general information may be used for training professionals.
As part of the questionnaire, we will ask for the contact details of the lead clinician responsible for the person you care for’s treatment. We will share your answers about your name and address, and the name, age, BMI and diagnosis of the person you care for with this clinician, as part of our verification and safety checks, but will not share any of your other answers.
The only exception to this confidentiality would be in the unlikely event that we had good reason to think we needed to share your information to prevent serious harm coming to you or someone else. For example, if you told us on the questionnaire that you were going to harm yourself. In a situation like this, we would always discuss with you first if at all possible, and would share the smallest amount of information necessary to prevent harm.
Are there any other reasons I might not be able to take part in the study?
We will ask the clinician to confirm that there is no reason they are aware of for you and the person you care for not to take part in the study. Reasons for this include the person you care for not receiving any treatment, or having another serious problem that complicates the eating disorder. Examples are bipolar affective disorder, serious substance abuse, or having serious physical problems.
It is very unlikely, but if there is good reason for you to stop the study, we will talk to you and the person you care for about this to decide what to do and make sure you are supported.
Are there any risks associated with taking part?
We do not anticipate there to be any risks with completing questionnaires or emailing coaches. Some people find watching the DVD to be emotional, as it relates to their situation, so there is a chance you could feel upset by some of the material presented. Your coach will be available by email to work through any feelings that you have, and you can call us on the number above, or the Beat helpline on 0845 634 1414.
What if something goes wrong?
Any complaint about the way you have been dealt with during the study will be addressed. To start with, please contact the researcher (email address above). If you are still unhappy and want to make a formal complaint, please contact ______________
