Information about Participation

Do I have to take part?

It is your choice whether or not to participate in any piece of research. You should not feel under any pressure or obligation to participate. You can withdraw at any point of research. 

Stages of participation

• Read information concerning the research.
• Preview all questions before completing them by clicking on the icon below.
• Complete the questionnaire.
• Clicking the submit button. This sends your completed questionnaire to the researcher. This automatically gives your consent. If you wish to withdraw from this point onwards contact the researchers.
• You will be asked to take part in follow up questionnaires 3, 6, 12 months following your initial participation.
• Participants who complete the questionnaire at all four time-points will be entered into a prize draw and have the chance to win a day trip to a health spa!
• Debrief forms with support and contact details will be posted onto the website at the end of each time point.

To assist caregivers throughout their twelve-month participation and beyond, we have set up a forum on this website and on Facebook, a social networking webpage. These will allow you to chat publicly with other participating caregivers on discussion boards or privately with the researcher. Any information you disclose on this webpage will not be included in the research.

What will happen after the twelve months of completing questionnaires?

After twelve months those who have agreed on the initial questionnaire to be contacted concerning an interview, will be given the chance to discuss their feelings and thoughts face-to-face with the researcher. Data will be anonymised.  

Are there any disadvantages, risks or benefits from taking part in the research?

We know of no disadvantages or risks of participation. There is a limited risk that you find some questions distressing. You are at liberty to not answer such questions or to discuss them with us. The information we gather may help caregivers and recipients.

Will my taking part in the study be kept confidential?

Yes. Researchers will allocate a numerical code to each questionnaire. Personal information e.g., names will be separated from responses and secured in lockers. If research is presented publicly, researchers will always refer to participants with their coded identity.

What will happen to the result of the research study?

The findings will be presented as part of a PhD thesis in addition some components will be used in undergraduate BSc Psychology dissertations. Results may be published in academic papers or reports.