Dear Participant,
You are invited to participate in the research project described below.
What is this project about?
This research project involves a short REDCap survey for neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation clinicians, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, and other health professionals who are involved in acute and chronic care of spinal cord injury patients. It aims to gather information on the current prevalence of chronic cognitive dysfunction (CCD) recognition, current screening protocol for CCD in spinal cord injury (SCI) individuals, and preferred strategies for the management of CCD. Through this, we hope to formulate guidelines that can be used by health professionals to provide more effective clinical management of CCD.
Who is undertaking the project?
The project is being conducted by A/Prof Lyndsey Collins-Praino, Dr Anna Leonard, and Srisankavi Sivasankar (PhD student).
Why am I being invited to participate?
For this study we are seeking participants who:
1. Board-certified neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopaedic surgeons, rehabilitation clinicians, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nurses, and other health professionals who are involved in acute and chronic care of spinal cord injury patients.
2. Are living in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United States of America or United Kingdom.
3. Are fluent in English
What am I being invited to do?
You are being invited to complete a one-time short survey online.
How much time will my involvement in the project take?
In total, the entire survey will require 10-15 minutes to complete.
Are there any risks associated with participating in this project?
No risks are anticipated in your participation in this project. If you feel the questions make you uncomfortable, you can stop whenever you wish.
What are the potential benefits of the research project?
There are no direct personal benefits from participating in this survey. However, the research benefits include the potential development of screening and management guidelines for CCD in SCI individuals.
Can I withdraw from the project?
Participation in this project is completely voluntary. However, since your responses to the survey will be anonymous, if you complete and submit the survey, it will no longer be possible to withdraw from the project.
What will happen to my information?
Your anonymous data will be stored on password protected computer in the researcher's office. Electronically entered data will be secured and made accessible only to the research staff, according to the Standard Operating Procedures of University of Adelaide. Records and materials for the current study will be retained for at least 5 years after the completion of the study. Only average results from all participants will be reported in the future publications and presentations.
Please note that publication and funding requirements may require submission of data or information to controlled access repositories that meet the international security and safety standards for sharing with researchers globally. Any data shared via such repositories will be non-identifiable.
Your information will only be used as described in this participant information sheet and it will only be disclosed according to the consent provided, except as required by law.
Who do I contact if I have questions about the project or want to learn about its results?
If you have questions associated with your participation in the project or wish to learn about its results, then you should consult the Principal Investigator:
A/Prof Lyndsey Collins-Praino, Principal Investigator
Email: sci_cog@adelaide.edu.au
What if I have a complaint or any concerns?
The study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at the University of Adelaide (approval number H-2022-020). This research project will be conducted according to the NHMRC National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research 2007 (Updated 2018). If you have questions or problems associated with your participation in the project or wish to raise a concern or complaint about the project, then you should consult the Principal Investigator. If you wish to speak with an independent person regarding concerns or a complaint, the University’s policy on research involving human participants, or your rights as a participant, please contact the Human Research Ethics Committee’s Secretariat on:
Phone: +61 8 8313 6028
Email: hrec@adelaide.edu.au
Post: Level 4, Rundle Mall Plaza, 50 Rundle Mall, ADELAIDE SA 5000
Any complaint or concern will be treated in confidence and fully investigated. You will be informed of the outcome.
If I want to participate, what do I do?
If you are willing to participate in the research, please continue with this survey. The submission of the survey will be considered as an indication that you understand the above information and of consent to participate in the study.