University of Pennsylvania Consent for Participation in a Research Study

Exploring Clinician Perspectives on Controversial Topics in Eating Disorder Diagnosis and Treatment

Principal Investigator:

Rebecca G. Boswell, Ph.D.
1 Plainsboro Rd, Plainsboro Township, NJ 08536
(609) 853-7554
rebecca.boswell@pennmedicine.upenn.edu 

We are conducting a research study about the opinions of clinicians, of varying disciplines, concerning controversial topics within the field of eating disorders. The following survey should take about 30 minutes to complete.

Participation is voluntary. If you would prefer not to participate, do not complete the survey. There is no penalty if you choose not to join the research study, nor will you lose any benefits you may be entitled to. If you agree to participate, please complete the attached survey. You should ask the study team any questions you have related to participating before agreeing to join the study. 

Your responses are anonymous; do not put your name or other identifying information on this survey. We ask that you try to answer all questions. However, if there are any questions that you would prefer to skip, simply leave the answer blank.

Data collected in this study may be stored and shared for future research in a de-identified fashion. It would not be possible for future researchers to identify you. This can be done without again seeking your consent in the future, as permitted by law.

You must be at least 18 years old to participate. If you are not 18 or older, please inform the researcher and do not complete the survey.
 

This research has been reviewed by the Penn Medicine Institutional Review Board (IRB). If you have any questions about your rights as a human research participant at any time before, during, or after participation, please contact the Institutional Review Board (IRB) at (215) 898-2614 for assistance.

 

 

Why is this study being done?

The purpose of this study is to identify and explore individual differences in the perspectives of clinicians on controversial topics in the eating disorders field through anonymous surveys. 

 

Why have you been asked to take part in this study?

You have been invited to take part in this study because you are an adult professional (at least 18 years of age) in the eating disorder field who can self-report their opinions on controversial eating disorder topics.

 

Who may take part in this study? And who may not?

Eligible participants include any adult professional (age 18+) involved in treatment and/or research on eating disorders. There is no exclusion based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, or other demographic variables. 

 

How long will the study last and how many subjects will take part in it?

We hope to include at least 1000 participants over the course of 3 years.

 

What will you be asked to do if you take part in this research study?

You will be asked to complete an anonymous survey, consisting of computerized questionnaires and rating scales, via the survey platform Qualtrics. 

 

What are the risks and/or discomforts you might experience if you take part in this study?

There is minimal risk associated with this study. There is a possibility that participants may become upset by the questions asked or other aspects of study participation; however, these routine survey-based measures inquire about constructs commonly discussed in clinical and research settings. Participants will be allowed to discontinue participation without consequence. A second possible risk is associated with loss of confidentiality. In order to minimize this risk, data will be collected anonymously.

 

​​Are there any benefits for you if you choose to take part in this research study?

Participants may benefit from participating in this study by gaining further insight into controversial topics in eating disorder treatment and increased knowledge about eating disorder etiology and treatment. Accordingly, the potential risks associated with participating in this study are outweighed by possible benefits.

 

What are your alternatives if you don’t want to take part in this study?

Should you decide not to take part in the study, you will not be penalized for your decision. Opting out of entering this study would not change your standing as a clinician.

 

How will you know if new information is learned that may affect whether you are willing to stay in this research study?

During the course of the study, you will be updated about any new information that may affect whether you are willing to go on taking part in the study. If new information is learned that may affect you after the study is completed, you will be contacted.

 

Who will be allowed to look at your research records from this study?

In addition to key members of the research team, the following people will be allowed to inspect your research records related to this study:

• The Institutional Review Board (a committee that reviews research studies to protect people participating in research.)
• Officials of Penn Medicine Princeton Health
• Research staff 

By taking part in this study, you should understand that the study collects demographic data and data on your self-reported opinions. This data will be stored and processed with electronic data processing systems. The data will be kept in password-protected files for a minimum of 6 years.

 

How will your information be kept private and confidential?

Your personal identity, that is name, address, and other identifiers, will be kept confidential. You will have a code number and actual names will not be used. Only the study PI will be able to link the code number to your name and will keep this information for a minimum of 6 years. This data may be used in scientific publications. Data will be de-identified and could be stored and distributed for future research. If the findings from the study are published, you will not be identified by name. Your identity will be kept confidential. The exception to this rule will be when there is a court order or when a law exists requiring the study doctor to report, such as the intent to disclose this information to the state agency. Such a law requiring the reporting of diseases exists in New Jersey for diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, viruses, and many others (there are no laws in New Jersey that require the reporting of eating disorders). If you do not sign this approval form, you will not be able to take part in this research study. You can change your mind and revoke this approval at any time. If you change your mind, you must revoke your approval in a written request to Dr. Rebecca Boswell, PhD.

Beginning on the date you revoke your approval, no new personal information will be used for research. However, researchers may continue to use the personal information that was provided before you withdrew your approval. You have the right to look at your study data and to ask for corrections of any kind to any of the data that is wrong. The research team will be allowed to examine the data in order to analyze the information obtained from this study, and for general psychological research.

 

Will there be any cost to you to take part in this study?

No.

 

Will you be paid to take part in this study?

No compensation will be provided for your participation in this study.

 

What will happen if you do not wish to take part in the study or if you later decide not to stay in the study?

You understand that you may choose not to be in the study. If you do choose to take part, it is voluntary. You may refuse to take part or may change your mind at any time. If you do not want to enter the study or decide to withdraw from the study, your relationship with the study staff will not change, and you may do so without penalty and without loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled, including access to care, treatment, and services unrelated to the research. You may also withdraw your consent for the use of your data, but you understand that you must do this in writing to Dr. Rebecca Boswell, PhD. If you withdraw consent for the use of data, the data will be destroyed.

 

Who can you call if you have any questions?

Please contact the PI (Dr. Rebecca Boswell, PhD) at rebecca.boswell@pennmedicine.upenn.edu or at (609)-853-7554. Additionally, you may contact the Office of Regulatory Affairs with any questions, concerns, or complaints at the University of Pennsylvania by calling (215) 898-2614 or irb@pobox.upenn.edu.

 

What are your rights if you decide to take part in this research study?

You understand that you have the right to ask questions about any part of the study at any time.
You understand that you should not sign this form unless you have had a chance to ask questions and have been given answers to all of your questions.
You understand that you are not giving up any of your legal rights by volunteering for this research study or by signing this consent form.
You have read this entire form, or it has been read to you, and you believe that you understand what has been discussed.
All of your questions about this form and this study have been answered.
You agree to take part in this research study.