Participant information
Project Title: Exploring stakeholder views to inform a model of care for an academic integrative medicine service in Western Sydney
Project Summary: You are invited to participate in a research study being led by Dr Carolyn Ee. This research project seeks to identify the needs of GPs for integrative medicine (IM) services (i.e. blending of evidence- informed complementary medicine therapies with conventional healthcare) in Western Sydney. The information identified will be utilised to refine the model of care for a prospective academic IM clinic in Western Sydney (to be located at the Western Sydney University campus in Westmead) that NICM is considering setting up.
How is the study being paid for? This study is being conducted as part of the Jacka Foundation Integrative Medicine Program at NICM, which is funded by an endowment from the Jacka Foundation of Natural Therapies.
What will I be asked to do? You will be asked to undertake an interview with a member of the research team. The interview will be audio recorded and you will be asked your perspectives regarding your IM service requirements, preferences, and opinions about proposed elements of the model of care that would safely meet your clinical needs. The interview can be held over the telephone or face-to-face at a location that you nominate (such as at your clinic) according to your convenience.
How much of my time will I need to give? It is anticipated that participation in the interview will take between 30-60 minutes.
What benefits will I, and/or the broader community, receive for participating? You will receive a $100 gift card as reimbursement for participating. You will have the opportunity to provide input into the design of this prospective clinic so that it meets your needs and those of your patients, and ensures delivery of a high-quality and safe service that has the potential to improve health outcomes for people living in Western Sydney.
Will the study involve any risk or discomfort for me? If so, what will you do to rectify it? There are no anticipated risks or discomfort as a result of taking part in this research.
How do you intend to publish or disseminate the results? Everything you give or say to us will be confidential and all information will be de-identified. It is anticipated that the results of this research project will be published in one or more academic journals. In any publication, identifying details (such as gender, number of years in practice, suburb of practice) will not be disclosed. Any quotations used in the publication of results will be de-identified. A summary report of the results will be circulated to all participants.
Will the data and information that I have provided be disposed of? The data and information you have provided will be stored safely and securely at Western Sydney University for a retention period of five years. Your data will be securely disposed of following this period. Please be assured that only the researchers will have access to the raw data you provide. However, your data may be used in other related projects for an extended period of time such as evaluation of the new IM service in 12 months time.
Can I withdraw from the study? Participation is entirely voluntary and you are not obliged to be involved. If you do participate you can withdraw at any time without compromise or giving reason. Please note that if you do choose to withdraw from the study information you have supplied cannot be withdrawn after the data analysis has commenced.
Can I tell other people about the study? Yes, you can tell other people about the study and provide them with the researchers’ contact details. They can contact the Chief Investigators to discuss their participation in the research project and obtain a copy of the information sheet.
What if I require further information? Please contact the Chief Investigators should you require further information or wish to discuss the research further before deciding whether or not to participate:
Dr Carolyn Ee: by phone +61 413 319 830 or e-mail on c.ee@westernsydney.edu.au
Dr Kate Templeman: by phone +61 466 518 666 or e-mail on k.templeman@westernsydney.edu.au
What if I have a complaint?
If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this research, you may contact the Ethics Committee through Research Engagement, Development and Innovation (REDI) on Tel +61 2 4736 0229 or email humanethics@westernsydney.edu.au
Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated fully, and you will be informed of the outcome.
If you agree to participate in this study, you may be asked to sign the Participant Consent Form. The information sheet is for you to keep and the consent form is retained by the researcher(s).
This study has been approved by the Western Sydney University Human Research Ethics Committee. The
Approval number is H12403.