INFORMATION SHEET FOR PARTICIPANTS
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REC Reference Number: LRU¬15/16¬2781

Title of study:  Assessing Public Knowledge of Disease Prevention
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Invitation

I would like to invite you to participate in this research project which forms part of my medical research. You should only participate if you want to; choosing not to take part will not disadvantage you in any way. Before you decide whether you want to take part, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what your participation will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with others if you wish. Ask me if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information.
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What is the purpose of the study?

To assess the population’s knowledge, awareness and opinions with regards to preventing cardiovascular disease.  To show whether, while many reliable guidelines exist, patients struggle to find, interpret and apply them for everyday use.  To determine whether a lack of knowledge undermines public health efforts.
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Why have I been invited to take part?

Anyone over the age of 16 who uses the NHS is welcome to take part, whether resident in the UK or a foreign citizen using NHS services.
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Do I have to take part?

Participation is voluntary. You do not have to take part. You should read this information sheet and if you have any questions you should ask the research team.
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What will happen to me if I take part?

If you decide to take part, you may retain a copy of this information sheet.  Consent to take part is implied by completing the online forms, although all data is anonymous and randomised.  Please do not submit any identifying information.  You are free to stop your participation at any time, however after submission it will not be possible to withdraw your information as the questionnaire is anonymous.
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What are the possible benefits and risks of taking part?

The information gathered will help to further our understanding of guideline use by the public.  The main disadvantage to taking part in the study is that you will be donating around 10 minutes of your time.  There are no foreseeable risks in participating in the study.
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Will my taking part be kept confidential?

All data is completely anonymous. At all times there will be no possibility of you as an individual being linked with the data.  The UK Data Protection Act 1998 will apply to all information gathered and held on password-locked computer files. No data will be accessed by anyone other than me; and anonymity of the material will be protected. No data will be able to be linked back to any individual taking part.
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How is the project being funded?

The project is being funded by the researcher.  The study has been approved by the King’s College London Research Ethics Committee.
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What will happen to the results of the study?

We plan to disseminate the research findings through publication and conferences within the UK.
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Who should I contact for further information?

If you have any questions or require more information about this study, please contact me using the following contact details:

Jayson.Roberts@kcl.ac.uk, or
Dr.Jayson.Roberts@gmail.com
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What if I have further questions, or if something goes wrong?
 
If this study has harmed you in any way or if you wish to make a complaint about the conduct of the study you can contact King's College London using the details below for further advice and information:
 
The Chair, BDM Research Ethics Subcommittee (RESC), rec@kcl.ac.uk 

Thank you for reading this information sheet and for considering taking part in this research.