Participant information sheet
Study Title: Co-creating the future: the use of multi-functional robots in occupational therapy and dementia
You are 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. Talk to others about the study if you wish. Contact me if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide whether you wish to take part.
What is the purpose of the study?
This study aims to understand occupational therapists' perspectives on implementing robotic technologies in dementia practice. With dementia affecting nearly one million people in the UK and numbers projected to increase, innovative approaches to rehabilitation and support are needed. Before implementing technological interventions, we need to understand practitioners' views on feasibility, acceptability, and potential applications.
Why have I been asked to take part?
You have been asked to participate because you are a registered occupational therapist working in the UK. Your professional expertise and your views are valuable for understanding how robotic technologies might be integrated into practice.
Do I have to take part?
No, participation is entirely voluntary. If you decide to take part:
• You can withdraw at any time before submitting your survey responses
• You have 10 days after submission to request data withdrawal
• Your decision won't affect your employment or professional standing
What will happen if I take part?
You will be asked to complete an online survey that:
• Takes approximately 15-30 minutes
• Can be completed on any device
• Includes questions about your knowledge of robotics
• Explores your views on implementation
• Considers professional development needs
What are the possible benefits of taking part?
While there are no direct individual benefits, your participation will:
• Inform the development of new practice approaches
• Shape professional development requirements
• Contribute to the evidence base for technological interventions
• Guide implementation strategies
What are the possible disadvantages and risks of taking part?
We have not identified disadvantages to taking part in this research. The main considerations, however, are:
• Time commitment for survey completion (15-30 minutes)
• Reflection on practice challenges
• You can skip any questions you prefer not to answer
Will my taking part in the study be kept confidential?
Yes, all data collected will be handled confidentially in accordance with data protection
legislation:
• Responses will be anonymised
• Data will be stored securely on university servers
• Access is restricted to the research team
• No identifiable information will be included in publications
How will we use information about you?
• Data will be analysed to understand professional perspectives on robotic technologies
• Anonymised responses may be used in academic publications
• Findings will inform future practice development
• No individual participants will be identifiable in any outputs
What are your choices about how your information is used?
Once you submit your survey, you have 10 days to ask for your answers to be
removed (provided you have submitted your name with the survey). After 10 days, we won't be able to remove your answers because they will be anonymous. You can contact us during these 10 days if you change your mind. You can request this by contacting Dr Fiona Maclean at f.maclean@napier.ac.uk
What are your choices about how your information is used?
You can find out more about how we use your information from our privacy notice. This is included on the next page.
What happens when the study is finished?
Your anonymous answers will be kept safely at Edinburgh Napier University for at
least 10 years
• We will write reports about what we learned from those who took part
• We will share the findings with people who work in dementia
• We will tell you what we found out if you would like to know
What will happen to the results of the study?
Results will be:
• Published in peer-reviewed journals
• Presented at professional conferences
• Shared through professional networks
• Used to inform practice guidelines
• Disseminated through Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT) reports and
publications
Who is organising the research and why?
The research is being conducted by Dr Fiona Maclean (Principal Investigator) at Edinburgh Napier University in collaboration with Heriot-Watt University, National Robotarium and Alzheimer Scotland.
Who has reviewed the study?
Favourable ethical opinion has been obtained from the School of Health and Social Care Research and Integrity Committee at Edinburgh Napier University (REF: 4064637).
Researcher contact details
If you have further questions about the study, please contact:
Fiona Maclean (Principal Investigator) at f.maclean@napier.ac.uk
If you would like to discuss this study with an independent person please contact: Dr Steph Valentin, Associate Professor, at Edinburgh Napier University via email S.Valentin@napier.ac.uk