Att D_Participant Information Sheet

Attachment D: Participant Information Sheet for Focus Groups

Purpose of this focus group research

You are being asked to participate in a research discussion being held by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention with the assistance of Oak Ridge Associated Universities. During the discussion, you will be asked your opinions about messages that might be provided to the public during an emergency. Your answers can help efforts to provide accurate, helpful information to the public during a public health emergency. The discussion will be audio recorded to ensure we get an accurate record of your comments.

Please remember that:

Taking part in this research discussion is voluntary.

You are not required to answer the questions.

This discussion should last about 90 minutes.

The discussion will be audio recorded.

Researchers may be listening to the discussion.

You are free to leave at any time or refuse recording without any penalty.

Risks

The risks of your participation are expected to be minimal. This means that the risks are not expected to be greater than the risks persons may normally find in their daily life.

Benefits

There are no direct benefits to you.

Your comments may help improve messaging during a public health emergency.

Confidentiality

Every effort will be made to keep your personal information confidential, but we cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality. Your personal information may be disclosed if required by law. Your name will not be used in the final report. No statement you make will be linked to you by full name. Only members of the research staff will be allowed to look at the records. When we present this study or publish its results, your name or other facts that point to you will not show or be used.

Persons to Contact

If you have questions about radiation, please contact the Radiation Studies Branch (770) 488-3800 or rsb@cdc.gov at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. Also visit the website at http://emergency.cdc.gov/radiation.

If you need more information about your rights as a study participant, you may contact: The Oak Ridge Site-Wide Institutional Review Board at 865-574-4359 or e-mail ORSIRB@orau.org.