Introduction
My name is Sophia Gerontakos and as part of my PhD research at Southern Cross University (SCU) I am working with Professor Jon Wardle and Associate Professor Matthew Leach both from SCU and Dr Amie Steel from University of Technology Sydney.
What is this research about?
The aim of this research is to examine the feasibility of a group consultation model (adapted Shared Medical Appointment (SMA) model where a health practitioner consults with multiple patients in a group setting) for delivering naturopathic care to people with endometriosis, with an additional view to examining the ability of the intervention to meet unmet healthcare needs of people with endometriosis. NatME is designed as a pilot feasibility intervention trial that will take a naturopathic approach to management of endometriosis in combination with group care.
If I say yes, what will it involve?
If you wish to participate we ask you to sign the consent form and return it to the researcher Sophia Gerontakos who will contact you to arrange a time to conduct a brief intake phone call to discuss what is involved in participation in the study and answer any questions you have. Once you have consented to participate we will ask you to commit to a 12 week program with 5-9 other participants where you will receive naturopathic care, health advice and (optional) bespoke naturopathic prescriptions over the course of the program.
What are the risks associated with this research?
There may be some health topics and discussions that make you feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. You are not obligated to share any health (or other) information you are not comfortable to and at the beginning of each group session you will complete a brief intake form that will ask if you require a short (5 minute) private consultation with the practitioner that will be scheduled by the group facilitator if you respond yes. If any of the discussions make you feel uncomfortable or cause distress you are free to take a break from the group for as long as you require or withdraw from the research completely by telling the facilitator (at any time during the group) you would like to withdraw from the research.
My responsibilities to you
Your privacy and confidentiality will be fully protected. All participants will agree verbally and in writing to a confidentiality agreement and ground rules for the group will be set in the beginning of the program.
COVID-19 safety
The COVID-19 pandemic is a fluid and ever-evolving situation. At this stage we have face-to-face groups planned to commence approx. April 2022 in Brisbane and Gold Coast QLD, and in Northern NSW, as well as one online cohort for participants from other areas. In the event that we cannot proceed in-person, the groups will be held on a virtual platform. For in-person groups, we will be adhering to SCU and state mandated COVID safe plans which may include check-in using the NSW or QLD QR codes or providing your contact details to the facilitator, physical distancing of 1.5m between each person, and masks. You will be notified before each group visit of the COVID-19 requirements.
Inquiries
If you have any inquiries regarding this research please contact the researcher Sophia Gerontakos
Email: s.gerontakos.10@student.scu.edu.au
M: 0424 465 919
Ethics Approval
This research has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee at Southern Cross University. The approval number is 2021/117.