So you're thinking of becoming involved in a research project...
Below are some common questions that people ask themselves when considering becoming involved in a research project.
What are the benefits to me?
Participating in research can be a great way to access information and treatment programs that are at the cutting edge of current knowledge. Research programs are generally offered free of charge and may help to add to your range of available options. Treatment options may include: participation in group therapy, individual or telephone counselling, or receiving tailored information and training.
What are the benefits to others?
Sometimes the research programs that we offer do not provide any direct benefits to the participant. In these cases, it is simply the knowledge that you are helping to contribute to the benefit of other people in the future that might motivate you to be involved.
No matter which research program you are looking at and what it involves you should take some time to consider the implications before jumping in and signing up.
What will be involved?
Usually our research participants are asked to fill in questionnaires, attend treatment sessions, give medical data etc. Being compliant with what is being asked of you if an important aspect of being a research participant.
It is important to fully understand what will be asked of you before you say yes!
Where do I find more information?
All research programs run by PIRI have a 'Participant Information and Consent Form'. This form details what is involved, the possible risks of involvement, alternatives to involvement and your privacy and confidentiality as a research participant. Before agreeing to participate in a study you will need to read and sign the consent form.
Other good sources of information are the project brochure, information on the website or calling PIRI to speak to the research co-ordinator.
What does it mean to be 'randomised' to a group?
The goal of most research programs is to measure whether the treatment being investigated actually works. The most common way of measuring the effects of a research program is to compare a 'control group' and a 'treatment group'. At PIRI, we will at the very minimum compare our research treatments against what is currently considered to be 'best practice' for the control group.
If you are involved in a program that includes randomisation, you will be randomly allocated to receive either the research treatment or the control treatment. Randomization is extremely important to ensure that the results are measuring the treatment effects.
Which research study is right for me?
Choosing a research program may depend on several things: your availability, what the current projects are, the inclusion criteria and recruitment procedures, and what is involved in the study.
Please feel free to call us on (03) 9496 4496 and speak to one of our friendly staff.