NIAPP patient questionnaire information sheet, version 002, date 09/01/2006
Evaluation of the National Infarct
Angioplasty Project Pilots (NIAPP)
NHS
INFORMATION SHEET
You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide whether to
take part, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and
what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and
discuss it with others if you wish. Ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you
would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not you wish to take part.
Thank you for reading this.
What is the purpose of the study?
A heart attack is caused by a blood clot blocking an artery supplying the heart.
Doctors, nurses and paramedics in the National Health Service (NHS) currently treat
heart attacks using clot-busting drugs or by undertaking emergency angioplasty, using
a balloon on the end of a catheter to remove the clot. Emergency angioplasty can only
be provided by heart specialists using special facilities, which is only available
routinely at some hospitals.
The aim of this study is to compare the care provided at hospitals offering the new
angioplasty service with other hospitals that continue to provide clot-busting drugs to
treat heart attacks. We are assessing whether the angioplasty service is feasible,
acceptable to patients and whether it gives value for money for the health service.
Why have I been chosen?
The hospital staff have asked you to take part in this study because you have recently
received treatment for a heart attack at one of the hospitals participating in the study
and you can therefore give us valuable feedback about this service.
Do I have to take part?
It is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. Taking part is, of course, entirely
voluntary and your health care will not be affected in any way by whether you decide
to take part or not.
What will happen to me if I take part?
If you do decide to take part you will be given a copy of this information sheet to keep
and be asked to sign a consent form to say that you are happy to be sent a
questionnaire. You will be sent a questionnaire in a few days time. This should take
around 10 minutes to complete. We would like you to return the completed
questionnaire in the envelope that we provide. You will not need to put a stamp on the
envelope.
What are the possible problems and disadvantages of taking part?
We do not anticipate any problems arising from your participation in this study. You
may choose not to answer any particular questions in the questionnaire if you do not
wish to do so.
PLEASE KEEP THIS INFORMATION SHEET
NIAPP patient questionnaire information sheet, version 002, date 09/01/2006
NHS
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
The information we get from this study may help us to improve the future care for
people who have heart attacks and help NHS managers decide whether and how to
set up angioplasty services in future.
What if I wish to complain?
If the study raises concerns about your treatment you may contact your health care
provider or local Patient Advice and Liaison Service. If you wish to complain, or have
any concerns about any aspect of the way you have been approached or treated
during the course of the study, the normal National Health Service complaints
mechanisms are available to you.
Will my taking part in this study be kept confidential?
If you consent to take part in the research your name will not be disclosed outside the
hospital or the Medical Care Research Unit at the University of Sheffield. All of the
information you give us will be kept strictly confidential. All data will be handled in
accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. The information you give us in the
questionnaires will be entered into a database with all the personal details removed.
What will happen to the results of the research study?
The results of the research will be written up in a report, which will be shared with the
professionals responsible for the organisation and provision of angioplasty and other
treatments for heart attacks, and a report may be published in a medical journal. We
will be happy to send you a free copy of the research report if you would like one.
Who is funding and organising the research?
This project is being carried out by researchers from the Medical Care Research Unit,
at the University of Sheffield. This is an independent research unit that has a long
history of undertaking research into the National Health Service. The project is funded
by the NHS Service Delivery and Organisation Programme of Research.
What do I do now?
Thank you for considering taking part in the research. If you would like to participate,
please fill out the consent form and return it to a member of staff.
If you have any concerns or would like any further information about this project
please contact:
Fiona Sampson, Medical Care Research Unit, University of Sheffield
Telephone: 0114 222 0687
PLEASE KEEP THIS INFORMATION SHEET