Availability of healthcare information to blind and visually impaired healthcare users during the COVID pandemic
Principal Investigator: Sushil K. Oswal, Ph.D., Co-investigator: Lohitvenkatesh M. Oswal
This research study aims to gain insight into the accessibility barriers experienced by blind and low vision people to obtain healthcare information, including the healthcare information about COVID-19.
Participants participate in an online survey that can take approximately 15 to 30 minutes. The survey participants also have the option to volunteer for a 90 minute virtual Zoom focus group to expand on their answers about accessibility barriers to healthcare information. This focus group will be held at a later date and you will be contacted by the Principal Investigator with necessary information.
Are there any risks?
There are no known risks to participants in this research project. Electronic data from the survey, and focus group conversation will be recorded. (Voice recording) will be collected and/or stored for this research project. Voice recording and transcripts will be stored without any identifying information. As with any use of electronic means to store data, there exists a minimal risk that data could be lost or stolen. The voice recordings will be erased by the researchers once the transcriptions have been verified for accuracy by the researchers.
What are the potential benefits?
There are no direct benefits to you from participating in this study.
What are the potential benefits to society?
The overall study aims at highlighting accessibility barriers to information experienced by blind and low vision people.
Your participation in this research study is completely voluntary. You do not have to participate. You may quit at any time without any penalty to you.
Confidentiality of records identifying the participants will be maintained. Your name will not be associated with the survey or focus group transcript or given to anyone other than the research team. All information collected from you or about you is for the sole purpose of this research study and will be kept confidential to the fullest extent allowed by law. In very rare circumstances specially authorized university or government officials may be given access to our research records for purposes of protecting your rights and welfare or to make sure the research was done properly. If you choose to participate in a focus group, you will be asked to provide your contact information. These two forms are separate and the information on the second form will not be connected to your answers on the survey form.
By volunteering to participate in the survey you are agreeing to the following:
· The details of this research study have been explained to me, including what I am being asked to do and the anticipated risks and benefits;
· I have had an opportunity to have my questions answered;
· I am voluntarily agreeing to participate in the research as described on this form;
· I may ask more questions or quit participating at any time without penalty.
We will place your name in a draw for $25 gift cards. To get into this draw, please leave your name and email at the end of the survey. Your name and address will not be connected to this survey.
Our human subjects approval includes a permission to conduct this survey over the phone if necessary. So, do not hesitate to email us privately if you face computer issues while completing this survey. My co-investigator and I will maintain your privacy in all possible circumstances. Once again, PI's email is oswal@u.washington.edu.
If you have any questions about the study you may contact the principal investigator, Sushil K. Oswal, at oswal@u.washington.edu or at 206-941-2061. If you have any questions about your rights as a research participant, please contact the Human Subjects Division at (206) 543-0098 or call collect at (206) 221-5940 or email hsdinfo@uw.edu.
This study has been reviewed by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Washington (Protocol #00013476).