We are requesting volunteers to participate in a cancer survey as part of a Ph.D. dissertation at the University of Rhode Island (URI).
The title of the study is:
"A Psychosocial Model of Medical
Staff-Family Member Communication in the Context of Cancer"
The contact for the study is:
Dana Gionta, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology
Medical Staff-Family Communications Study
University of Rhode Island
101 Briar Lane
P.O. Box 1788
Kingston, RI 02881-0499
Telephone: (401) 849-2345
e-mail: dgi1951u@postoffice.uri.edu
Upon contact, all materials needed for survey completion will be sent to you. A SASE (Self Addressed Stamped Envelope) will be provided for you to return the survey.
Below you will find the necessary information
to participate in the study. If you know anybody
that might want to take part, feel free
to pass on the information below.
Dear Prospective Participant:
I am writing to you today to tell you about an important research study being conducted through the Department of Psychology at the University of Rhode Island, and to ask for your participation in this study.
The purpose of this research study is to
gain a better understanding of:
(1) family members’ experience of their communication with medical staff (primary doctors &The knowledge gained from this study will be used: (1) to inform clinicians, the medical community and researchers about the needs and concerns of family members and (2) to enhance the psychological, educational and supportive services that are currently available for families and patients by addressing these specific needs and concerns.
nurses)
(2) family members’ communication needs (e.g. a need to be informed of what to do at home for the
family member with cancer)
(3) family members’ emotional well-being during their experience of cancer.
Your participation in this study is important and very much appreciated as it would help researchers, the medical staff, clinicians and the community better understand the needs and experience of family members of patients with cancer. It is the aim of this study to provide such information and with your help, it may be possible.
Who is eligible to
participate? Family members or significant
others who are involved in caring for a loved one with cancer are invited
to participate. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
Because the study's focus is on adult
individuals with cancer, only family members of patients who are
at least 18 yrs. old are eligible. It is important that:
1) the person completing the questionnaire has had contact
with the medical staff involved in their family member's treatment and
that 2) your family member is being treated or regularly monitored
at a hospital-based location. Those receiving care at a hospice setting
are, for the purposes of this study, not eligible to participate.
What does participation
involve? If you decide to participate, you will
be requested to complete a questionnaire. We estimate that
it will take about 25 minutes to complete. All the information that
you provide will be kept strictly confidential and, moreover, your name
will not be associated with the responses you give on the survey.
Your anonymity will be maintained throughout as your name and address will
not be in any way connected with the survey.
As a thank you for your time, a $15.00 compensation will be either sent to you or donated to the charity of your choice.