Truth-telling and Deception in Medicine

INFORMATION SHEET FOR RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS

Study Title : Truth-telling and benignly intended deception in medicine

You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide whether or not you wish to take part it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it would involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully, and discuss it with friends and relatives if you wish. Ask us if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take as much time as you need to decide whether or not to take part. Thank you for reading this.

What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of the study is to find out what doctors, patients and members of the public think about the use of deception in medicine, and to come up with a set of suggestions to help improve current practice and policy.

Why have I been chosen?

You have, by chance, been chosen simply as a member of the general adult population, or because you are an adult patient in Oxford or London, or because your GP practises in the area where the study is taking place.

Do I have to take part?

No, it is up to you whether or not to take part.  If you do decide to take part, you are still free to withdraw at any time and without giving a reason.

What would happen to me if I took part?

If you agree to participate, we will ask you to complete a 15-35 minute questionnaire about doctors' use of deception in medicine (click below to answer questionnaire).

What would I have to do?

There is no preparation involved, nor are there any medical procedures involved. You would only need to share your thoughts on the issues presented!

Would my taking part in this study be kept confidential?

Yes, all information collected would be kept strictly confidential. Your name (and contact details if you provide them) would be removed so that you cannot be recognised.

What will happen to the results of the research study?

The results will be collected and analysed for the researcher's doctoral research, and may appear in academic journals (again, all sources will be anonymous) and possibly a book. The anonymous results will also be discussed in academic conferences, seminars and other discussions. You may obtain a copy of the results when the research is over by contacting Daniel Sokol (see below for contact information).

What are the possible disadvantages and risks of me taking part?

There are no medical risks involved in participating. Some of the questions relate to disclosing information to terminally ill patients and some people could find this emotionally distressing. And some of the questions are quite puzzling! If, however, you find the questions distressing and wish to speak to someone about your experience, you may contact the ISIS centre for counselling (details below).

What are the potential benefits of taking part?

By contributing your thoughts on the issue, you may help in clarifying this difficult moral problem in medicine. Your views, along with those of others who take part, might lead to improvements in current practice and policy regarding truth-telling and deception in medicine. There are no direct benefits to you, medical or otherwise, but your participation may help others in the future.

Who is organising and funding the study?

The study has been designed by Daniel Sokol of the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine in London . It has been funded by the Wellcome Trust, and is supervised by two Imperial College professors, one a social scientist, the other a specialist in medical ethics. The study has been approved by the Oxfordshire Research Ethics Committee.

Go to questionnaire (should take between 15-35 minutes to complete) 

Contact for further information

Daniel K. Sokol

Medical Ethics Unit

Imperial College Faculty of Medicine

St Dunstans Road

London W6 8RP

Tel: 01865 200 671

Email: daniel.sokol@talk21.com

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Counselling service

The ISIS Centre
Dartington House
55 Little Clarendon Street
Oxford
OX1 2HS

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Contact details: 

Medical Ethics Unit

Imperial College Faculty of Medicine

Reynold's Building

St Dunstan's Road

London W6 8RP

tel:  01865 200 671

fax:  0207 7594 0854

e-mail:  daniel.sokol@talk21.com