Current Research Studies

Being a carer to a person with arthritis can be a challenging and rewarding experience. This interview study aims to explore the experiences of family/friend carers of people with arthritis, particularly to understand any challenges they experiences and the impact of their caring role on their mental health, to inform the development of a tailored arthritis carer online support program.

Interviews will be conducted over zoom and will last for approximately 60 minutes. Following full completion of the questionnaire and interview, participants will receive a $20 WISH gift voucher as a thank you for their time.

What it entails for volunteers:

Participating is entirely voluntary. It involves completing a consent form and online questionnaire (20 mins), and an interview (60 mins total). The interview will ask about:

• Your experiences caring for someone with arthritis (including perspectives of psychological support) (20 mins)
• Your feedback on one section of an online mental health support program (CarersCanADAPT) (40 mins)

With consent, the interviews will be audio and video (screen only) recorded.

Following full completion of the questionnaire and interview, participants will receive a $20 WISH gift voucher as a thank you for their time.

Volunteer profile:

Researchers at the University of Sydney are looking to interview family/friend carers of people with arthritis.

To be eligible to participate in the study, participants must be:

• Over 18 years old
• Caring for someone with arthritis that is over 18 years old and diagnosed with arthritis as an adult
• Have access to the internet
• Willing to discuss psychological support for carers of people with arthritis

Who to contact:

If you would like to participate or have any questions, contact Dr Rebekah Laidsaar-Powell.

Email: [email protected].

The Efficacy of Shoe Inserts for Midfoot Osteoarthritis: A randomised controlled trial

What is the study about?

This study is about non-surgical treatments for midfoot osteoarthritis. There has been little research to evaluate which treatments are helpful for people with midfoot osteoarthritis. We hope to learn if shoe inserts, combined with clinical guideline-based care information and support, are effective for treatment of osteoarthritis in the midfoot joints. There will be 140 people who will be part of this study.

To find out more and register your interest, please visit our website here: https://redcap.link/MidfootOsteoarthritisTrial

LUPUS: The WILLOW Study

Learn more about the WILLOW study at clinicaltrials.gov page including the centres/hospitals in Australia where the study is currently available.

The WILLOW study is a phase 2, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial that is evaluating the safety and efficacy (effectiveness against the disease) of the study medication M5049, also known as enpatoran, in participants with lupus.

Up to 530 adult participants from North and South America, Europe, Asia/Pacific and China regions aged between 18 and 75 years with active (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) SLE or CLE (Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus) will participate in this study. Currently the study is actively seeking participants with SLE only.

The total study duration is approximately 33 weeks. The study medication (M5049/enpatoran), the study-related laboratory tests, examinations, and clinic visits performed as part of this study will be provided at no charge to you. For further information, please talk to your study doctor.

For more information on this study, please scan the QR code:

Potential new treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

This research project is testing a potential new treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), called IHL-675A.

You must be 18 years of age or older and have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, please read this information carefully and ask questions about anything that you do not understand or want to know more about. Before deciding whether or not to take part, you might want to talk about it with a relative, friend or your local doctor.

Participation in this research is voluntary. If you do not wish to take part, you don’t have to. You will receive the best possible care whether or not you decide to take part, and your decision will have no influence on your current treatment or relationship with your doctor.

Locations to participate in this study:

1. Genesis Research Services: 220 Denison Street Broadmeadow, NSW, 2292
2. Emeritus Melbourne:  level 2, 1180 Toorak Rd, Camberwell, VIC, 3124
3. Emeritus Sydney: Building 2A, Suite 2, Level 1 2 Lord Street, Botany, NSW, 2019
4. Captain Stirling Medical: 92 Stirling Hwy, Nedlands, WA, 6009
5. Novatrials: 10 Bradford Close, Kotara, NSW, 2289
6. Paratus Woden Dermatology: 1 Bowes Place, Phillip, ACT, 2606
7. Rheumatology Research Unit: Shop 9-10 Maroochy Waters Shopping Centre, Denna Street Maroochydore QLD 4558
8. AusTrials Wellers Hill: Suite 204, Level 2, Brisbane Health Connect Building. 51 Orford Street, Wellers Hill QLD 4121
9. AusTrials Taringa: Suite 302, Level 3, Westside Private Hospital Building. 32 Morrow Street, Taringa QLD 4068
10. Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Level 4, QEII Building, 59 Missenden Rd, Camperdown NSW 2050

The direct link to the research study is here: austrials.com.au-Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Management

Online wellbeing program for young people living with chronic conditions

What is it?

The program has three online modules that teach specific skills to help you cope with everyday challenges. Each module takes 60-90 minutes to complete and can be done at your own pace.

Who can take part? 

You are eligible to participate if you are:

• Aged 16-25
• Live in Australia
• Diagnosed with a long-term health condition

What’s involved?

If you decide to take part, you will choose one of the three modules to complete and provide feedback on, along with completing four short online surveys over one month. Participants may receive a voucher as reimbursement for their time.

For more information, scan the QR code to read the Participant Information Sheet or email [email protected]

Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) has approved this study (HREC number 2023-0213). The results of this study will be used by Asha Parkinson to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy.

Pain medicines after total hip or knee replacement

We are interested in understanding what people are considering when deciding what to ask for, pain medicine when are they discharged from hospital after a total hip or knee replacement.

Who are we looking for?

Adults currently scheduled for, or on the waiting list for a total hip or knee replacement surgery.

What will you need to do? 

Complete a brief online survey asking for your consent to join the study and to collect some basic details about you.

One video or telephone interview (20min to 1 hour) at a time convenient to you (with the possibility of a request for a follow up interview, which you are not obliged to accept).

Link to the survey: https://redcap.sydney.edu.au/surveys/?s=PACCHJMHPY3L7HLX

Contact us

Email us at [email protected] if you have any questions or if you would like a copy of the participation statement.

Have you had low back pain?

We are developing a way to measure low back pain burden and improve care for people with low back pain at Monash Univeristy

To participate in this survey, please scan the QR code below or follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/BackSurveyRound2

For more information, please contact: [email protected]

Do you have Gout or care for someone with Gout?

The Health Care Consumers’ Association, in partnership with Arthritis Australia and others, are doing some research around how we can help you and others living with gout. Your experiences and opinions could make a difference for others.

If you are an adult (18+ years) and:

• living with gout, or
• carers of people living with gout

We want to talk to you! Please contact the Health Care Consumers’ Association on:

• Phone: (02) 6280 7800
• Email: [email protected]

Have you had Frozen Shoulder or currently living with it?

🗣 Join us and share your voice

We are looking for people who have recovered from frozen shoulder or currently living with frozen shoulder to share their experiences of living with this condition and how it impacted their lives.

The results will be shared with healthcare professionals to enhance their understanding of frozen shoulder, and to help develop patient-center strategies to enhance the current management of frozen shoulder in Australia.

WE NEED YOUR INPUT! Your time will be reimbursed.

Please contact Ms Rong Wang via [email protected] for more information.

Have you had Low Back Pain?

We are seeking consumer participants to complete our survey to develop a core set of low back pain measurements (or ‘indicators’) that could be used to monitor progress in improving care and outcomes for people with low back pain in all countries.

This work is being conducted in collaboration with Professors Rachelle Buchbinder, Chris Maher, Dr Romi Haas, and Giovanni Ferreira.

We are asking participants to complete up to three survey rounds, each taking approximately 10-15 minutes. The first survey will ask participants to rate the importance and feasibility of 38 potential low back pain indicators and add any further indicators that may be appropriate. After viewing the summarised results from Round 1, a second survey (and third survey if consensus is still required) will be used to establish consensus on the most important and feasible indicators.

Participants will have up to 4 weeks to complete the first survey. This research has been approved by Monash University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval no.: 39106).

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact: [email protected]

To participate in this survey, please follow this link: https://tinyurl.com/backsurvey23

Osteoarthritis care in Australian community pharmacies: How can pharmacists contribute?

We would like to hear your opinions and ideas about osteoarthritis management in community pharmacy, this survey will include:

Demographics

We would like to know more about you and the pharmacy you work in the most.

Motivation

We would like to know if osteoarthritis is an area you would like to more involved in.

Care standards

We would like to ask where pharmacists may be able to contribute on the 5 out of 7 clinical care standards on osteoarthritis, proposed by the Australian commission in quality and safety in healthcare.

Clinical skills and knowledge

We would like to know more about your skills and knowledge when it comes to osteoarthritis.

Barriers and non-pharmacist staff

What barriers could you come across when offering osteoarthritis care and where do non-pharmacist staff fit in the picture of OA care.

This survey will take about 15 minutes to complete, you will also have an opportunity to win 1 out of 5 gift cards, if you leave your details after completing the survey.

If you would like to participate in this survey, please click onto this link: https://curtin.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ZfB8pGrggk3odo

Do you have a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia?

We are studying the way that pain influences decision making and we need your help! Participation involves completing a single-session study at the University of South Australia that will take approximately 2-2.5 hours.

Who can participate?

People who have fibromyalgia and individuals who do not currently experience pain.

People that have health conditions that prevent safe participation in physical activity (e.g., severe heart or lung disease, uncontrolled diabetes) will not be eligible to participate. Additionally, people with intellectual disabilities or cognitive impairment, those with diagnosed mental health conditions, or those with other injuries/pain conditions that will limit their ability to perform the tasks will not be eligible to participate. Only medication-free individuals or those with consistent medication use (stable for at least the past month) will be able to take part. Last, people who are not fluent in English and younger than 18 years old will not be able to participate.

What will I have to do?

Following the online pre-screen for eligibility, the study involves a single behavioural session held at UniSA. We anticipate the session will take approximately 2-2.5 hours to complete. If you decide to take part in the study, you will be asked to provide certain information about yourself including: demographics, information about personality (trait impulsivity), perception of bodily sensations and state (mood state), details of your current treatment and diagnosis. Additionally, you will be asked to complete several tasks indicating your preferences for smaller immediate/effortless gains (raffle tickets) versus larger but delayed/effortful ones. The tasks involving effort will include doing a memory task (cognitive effort) or walking on a treadmill (physical effort). We will also measure how well you can feel your own heartbeat. To record your heartbeat, we will attach two recording electrodes to your chest. Although this procedure is straightforward, to facilitate the attachment of the electrodes please wear loose top on the day of the experiment.

We will also provide you with a wrist-worn activity tracker and ask you to wear it for one week (7 days) following the study. You can then return the device to us in a prepaid return envelope. We will reimburse you $40 for your time in the behavioural session. Additionally, you will be entered into a raffle for an extra prize: The more raffle tickets you collect in the tasks described above, the more likely you will be to win the prize. The raffle will be resolved at the end of the study (when we collect data from all participants) and the prizes will be sent by email.

For more details and to complete the eligibility survey, please see: https://unisasurveys.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aaQjSUoAPZ0gbD8

A co-designed Heart Health Resource for midlife women promoting Healthy Lifestyles and Reducing Heart Disease Risk

This is an online survey by the Ask Heart Health project at Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation. The aim of this survey is to understand what you need to know about heart health and what might support you in promoting better care of your heart health. Heart disease is a major cause of health problems in Australia.

We invite women aged 45 to 60 to do our online survey. The survey will take about 20 minutes and you don’t have to give your name or other personal details. Participating in the survey is voluntary and you can stop at any time if you choose not to continue. By doing the survey you consent to the information being used to create better heart health information and tools for women like you. We want to guide women to do heart disease screening and promote healthy lifestyles during midlife.

Your valuable input will help us improve the health of women across the country.

This research has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee.

If you have any questions or interested in taking part in an individual online interview to explore in more detail about what women want to help manage their heart health AND/OR later help us to test the app produced from the results of this survey and research project, please email us at: [email protected]

To participate in this survey, please click here: https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_42asmEDqzKCEBHE

Thank you for considering to participate in this survey!

Consumers in Basic Science Research Project

This research project aims to explore consumer involvement in pre-clinical research (research before testing the interventions in people), specifically in the field of musculoskeletal conditions. Consumers, such as people with lived-experience of a musculoskeletal condition and their carers are invited to participate by completing an anonymous online questionnaire. The findings of this study will help understand the current level of consumer involvement and identify opportunities to increase their participation in research.

If you would like to participate in this research, please click on the link below:

https://uniofqueensland.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0d0xIWpPgxUZfsW

Help us to co-design better care for Adolescents with Chronic Pain

Are you an adolescent (12 to 19 years) or a parent or carer of an adolescent with chronic pain (pain that has been persistent or recurred frequently for 3 months or more) who live in South Australia?

Have you sought healthcare for the pain? We would like to find out about your experiences:
the good, the bad and the ideal.

You can contribute by joining our Youth Advisory Group, our Parent/Carer Advisory group (2 meetings Sept and Nov for 90 mins each time) or by having a one-on-one interview.

We offer a $50 gift card in remuneration for your time (per meeting or per interview).

To express interest or find out more, please:
Scan the QR code (use your phone camera)

Or follow the link: https://redcap.link/EOIYouthPainProject

Contact Dr Carolyn Berryman (lead researcher) on 83022442 or
[email protected] with any questions

Are you suffering from Chronic Knee Pain and looking for a Solution?

HOPE4OA is a clinical trial for people suffering from moderate to severe knee pain due to osteoarthritis (OA). It aims to test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational medication for the treatment of pain and improvement of function in adult participants with osteoarthritis pain.

Am I eligible for this trial?

To check if you are eligible to take part in the HOPE4OA trial, answer a few simple questions on the website as per below:

www.hope4oa.com

Examining the Relationship between Health Literacy and Financial Distress in people with Arthritis

Do you have arthritis, and have you ever wondered about the costs incurred across the lifespan? How might this relate to health literacy and knowledge? Monash University researchers are seeking your help with new research into these questions associated with living with arthritis. This research is funded by a research grant from Arthritis Australia.

We are conducting a short online survey (10-15 minutes) to understand people’s health literacy/knowledge, financial concerns, and general quality of life. The survey is anonymous.

This research has been approved by the Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (Project ID 38560).

Please see below link to this survey:

https://monash.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eQGDO7RdwPYaeai

For more information, please contact Dr Danielle Berkovic ([email protected]) at the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine.

How Individuals with Physical Impairments manage their self-reported Eczema

How is the study being paid for?

This project has no funding and is supported by Western Sydney University School of Health Sciences.

What will I be asked to do?

Those who agree to participate will be asked to attend one 60-minute interview either online or in person at a location of your choice to share your experiences in managing your eczema. Questions in the interview will cover topics around how you manage your eczema currently, what things at present and in the past have made it more difficult for you to manage your eczema effectively, and what things have made it easier for you to manage your eczema.

How much of my time will I need to give?

The interview will last around 60 minutes. Researchers may contact you one additional time via email or phone if they need to ask you to clarify or expand on any statements you make during the interview.

What benefits will I, and/or the broader community, receive for participating?

There are no direct benefits to you for participating in this research. However possible future benefits include that they study may provide more information on how individuals with physical impairments manage eczema. This may help stakeholders support individuals with physical impairments manage their skin condition and improve their quality of life. Participation in this study is voluntary.

Will the study involve any risk or discomfort for me? If so, what will be done to rectify it?

We do not anticipate that the interviews will cause distress for participants, however in an unlikely event that interviews trigger an awareness of  any ‘negative health consequences’ associated with eczema the researcher will advise the participant to make an appointment to discuss their concerns with their General Practitioner or health care provider. The participants will be provided with appropriate information for example as below:

Lifeline (call 13 11 14) https://www.lifeline.org.au

The Beyond Blue Support Service (call 1300 22 46 36)

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support

Mindspot (call 1800 61 44 34) https://www.mindspot.org.au

How do you intend to publish or disseminate the results?

It is anticipated that the results of this research project will be published and/or presented in a variety of forums. In any publication and/or presentation, information will be provided in such a way that the participant cannot be identified, except with your permission. Interview data will be re-identifiable to the research team member conducting the Interview but not the research team and will not be re-identifiable in any publication. Interviews will be non-identifiable. Pseudonyms will be used for re-identifiable information to ensure identity is protected at each stage of data analysis and reporting. All information will be coded and stored on a password protected computer or on the University’s OneDrive system. While we will store de-identified data on the university data repository site, we do not anticipate any future use on this set of data.

Will the data and information that I have provided be disposed of?

Please be assured that only the researchers will have access to the raw data you provide. However, your data may be used in other related projects for an extended period of time. The data will be stored in a secure and de-identified format in the research team passcode protected one drive folder and on the University data repository. All data will be destroyed five years post publication as per data storage policy. Only to the extent that data from this study that are published in the report or published in a journal will be referred to in future research. Data collected during this project will be used for the purposes of this project only and will not be made available to other parties in the future. Western Sydney University will share ownership of the information resulting from this research. All data and participant information will remain at Western Sydney University.

Can I withdraw from the study?

Participation is entirely voluntary and you are not obliged to be involved. If you do participate you can withdraw at any time without giving reason.

If you do choose to withdraw, any information that you have supplied will be withdrawn from analysis and destroyed.

Can I tell other people about the study?

Yes, you can tell other people about the study by providing them with the researcher’s contact details. They may contact the researcher to discuss their participation in the research project and obtain a copy of the information sheet. You can share the flyer with invitation to this project by sending the link to other people.

What if I require further information?

Please contact Paulina should you wish to discuss the research further before deciding whether or not to participate

Paulina Muszynski 

Email: [email protected]

What if I have a complaint?

If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this research, you may contact the Ethics Committee through Research Engagement, Development and Innovation (REDI) on Tel +61 2 4736 0229 or email [email protected].

Any issues you raise will be treated in confidence and investigated fully, and you will be informed of the outcome.

If you agree to participate in this study, you may be asked to sign the Participant Consent Form. The information sheet is for you to keep and the consent form is retained by the researcher/s.

This study has been approved by the Western Sydney University Human Research Ethics Committee. The Approval number is H15325

The development of an educational resource for people with bunions

What is the study about? 

You are invited to participate in a study which is designed to develop a patient information leaflet for people with hallux valgus (also known as a bunion). We hope to learn about your beliefs and expectations about what a patient information leaflet should include for people with this condition.

Your contact details were obtained from a database of people who have been attending the La Trobe University Podiatry Clinic for foot-related treatment or you might have responded to an advertisement posted at La Trobe University or of the clinic of a health professional.

Do I have to participate?

Being part of this study is voluntary. If you want to be part of the study we ask that you read the information below carefully and ask us any questions.

You can read the information below and decide at the end if you do not want to participate. If you decide not to participate this won’t affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other listed organisation.

 Who is being asked to participate?

You have been asked to participate because:

• You are over the age of 18 and have had a painful hallux valgus for the past 3 months, or
• You are a health professional that currently manages people with hallux valgus

What will I be asked to do?

If you want to take part in this study, you will be asked to attend two focus groups. The first focus group will involve talking about your preferences for the content and design of a patient information leaflet for people with hallux valgus. The second focus group will involve providing feedback on a leaflet that was designed based on your input from the first focus group.

Each focus group will take approximately 60 minutes to complete.

Observational notes and audio recordings will be collected from the focus groups.

What are the benefits?

All participants will be provided with a $50 shopping voucher for their participation in the study. In addition, information gathered by participants in this study will be used to guide and develop a patient information sheet for people with hallux valgus. It is envisaged that this resource will help people with hallux valgus to make mor informed decisions about the treatment of hallux valgus as well as supporting clinicians who manage this condition.

What are the risks?

With any study there are (1) risks we know about, (2) risks we don’t know about and (3) risks we don’t expect. If you experience something that you aren’t sure about, please contact us immediately so we can discuss the best way to manage your concerns.

We do not foresee any risks associated with this study.

What will happen to information about me?

We will collect information about you in ways that will reveal who you are

We will store information about you in ways that will not reveal who you are.

We will publish information about you in ways that will not be identified in any type of publication from this study.

We will keep your information for 7 years after the project is completed. After this time we will destroy all of your data.

The storage, transfer and destruction of your data will be undertaken in accordance with the Research Data Management Policy https://policies.latrobe.edu.au/document/view.php?id=106/.

The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, any health information collected will be handled in accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). Subject to any exceptions in relevant laws, you have the right to access and correct your personal information by contacting the research team.

Will I hear about the results of the study?

We will let you know about the results of the study on request. This may entail mailing a summary of the results (which will not be identifiable) to your home residence. If you prefer, a discussion with Dr Matthew Cotchett can occur in person”.

What if I change my mind?

You can choose to no longer be part of the study at any time until [four weeks] following the collection of your data. You can let us know by:

1. Completing the ‘Withdrawal of Consent Form’ (provided at the end of this document);
2. Calling us; or
3. Emailing us

Your decision to withdraw at any point will not affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other organisation listed.

When you withdraw we will stop asking you for information. Any identifiable information about you will be withdrawn from the research study. However, once the results have been analysed we can only withdraw information, such as your name and contact details. If results haven’t been analysed you can choose if we use those results or not.

Who can I contact for questions or want more information?

If you would like to speak to us, please use the contact details below:

What if I have a complaint?

If you have a complaint about any part of this study, please contact:

If you would like to participate this study please fill out the below consent form:

Participant Information Consent Form.docx

Participants needed:

people with knee arthritis considering keyhole surgery

RECRUITING NOW !

Do you have knee arthritis and are considering arthroscopy (also known as a keyhole, cleanout or knee scope procedure)?

Would you like to receive information about osteoarthritis that may help you make better decisions about the care you receive?

If so, you may be eligible to participate in the DECIDE study conducted by Monash University and Cabrini Health. In the DECIDE study, you will be provided with information about osteoarthritis and asked to complete online surveys.

You may eligible if you are:

• 45 years or older
• Diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis
• Considering knee arthroscopy (keyhole surgery)

DECIDE study participants will go into the draw to win a $500 gift voucher. Follow this link to read more and participate in this study: www.decidestudy.com

Alternatively, you can contact the study team using the details below.

Chief Investigator: Dr Denise O’Connor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 03 9903 8885

Establishing the smallest worthwhile effect of intra-articular Steroid Injections for Knee OA

About this Research

All medical interventions involve benefits and risks – steroid injections are no exception. We want to hear from people experiencing knee osteoarthritis and understand how the expected benefits of a steroid injection are weighed against it’s risks. We want to hear from you!

For more information and questions before deciding if you want to participate in this research project, please do not hesitate to contact Clarence via email: [email protected]

How to Participate

Scan the QR code below which will direct you straight to the survey, fill out the consent form and read the participant information statement.

The survey will take 20 minutes.

Are You 16-24 Years Living With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain?

Researchers at Curtin University are exploring ways to support young people aged 16-24 years and experience pain that has persisted for more than 3 months, we would like to hear from you.

What’s involved? 

You can be involved in:

1. Individual interviews about your experience of persisting pain and your mental health wellbeing. This is will take approx. 60 minutes of your time.
2. A group discussion and 3 rounds of survey’s about what care you prefer and value in digital health care. This will take approx. 90 minutes of your time in total.

Depending on your circumstances, you can be involved in one or both parts of this research. You will receive a gift voucher for participating.

To enroll in this study please click here: https://curtin.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3JIBkpZ6Y4ya03I

Development of Online Learning Modules to Increase Knowledge and Understanding of Frailty: Consumer Focus Groups

About the Project

Our research team is conducting a study that seeks to improve healthcare professionals’ and students’ knowledge and understanding of frailty in hospitals by developing online learning modules. Patient frailty is characterised by a decline of physical and cognitive reserves that leads to increased vulnerability. Frailty increases with age and is associated with falls, longer stays in hospital, difficulty recovering from illness and surgery, and mortality. Research shows that healthcare professionals need and want more training on frailty. To make sure that the modules are easy to use, inclusive, and helpful, we are designing them with a range of people including consumers, healthcare professionals, students, universities and consumer advocacy organisations.

The research team would like to invite older adults who have had experience using the hospital system to participate in this research. You will need to be 65 years or older (or 55 years or older if identifying as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) and to have had exposure to hospitals, either as an outpatient or inpatient.

We are also seeking input from caregivers of older adults who have interacted with the hospital system. Caregivers need to be over 18 years old to participate. If you are a caregiver, you don’t have to participate with the person you provide care for, you can participate independently in this research.

Participation will take about 1 hour.

Participation in the study is entirely voluntary and participants will receive a $45 electronic gift card to thank them for their time.

To Participate in this study please follow the link: https://uniofqueensland.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3KO0sSJbMLFNy0m

For more information please email Dr. Kristiana Ludlow: [email protected]

Assessing Barriers and Facilitators to Exercise-Based Rehabilitation for People with knee/hip osteoarthritis: A Survey Study

We are seeking volunteers to answer a survey regarding barriers and facilitators to exercise as a treatment for knee/hip osteoarthritis. If you have been diagnosed with knee/hip osteoarthritis by a doctor, are aged 18 years or older, and are living in Australia we want to hear from you.

Please complete the online survey about your experience with exercise related to your knee or hip osteoarthritis even if you feel you don’t exercise enough.

It should take about 20 minutes to complete the survey.

Access the link to help us to improve osteoarthritis treatment:

https://redcap.link/barriersandfacilitatortoEbradherenceSM

Study on Daily Physical Activity and Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Do you have chronic low back pain, chronic neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, or chronic temporomandibular disorder? We are looking for you!

Our research team from REVAL Rehabilitation Research Center of Hasselt University (Belgium) is investigating the relationship between the intensity of daily physical activity and chronic musculoskeletal pain. Also, we aim to identify what makes it easier or harder for you to do physical activity, and what motivates you.

You can help us by filling in our online questionnaire through this link: https://uhasselt.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_etl78e58y2YeUDQ

The questionnaire takes about 50 minutes to complete.

Community Based Research Project on Vasculitis

Vasculitis is a rare medical disease and often patients do not have access to the information they want to empower them to understand and manage their health. We want to know what information needs of Australian patients with vasculitis, their partners, carers, and families have unmet so that we can address this by creating purpose built materials that reflect real needs from real patients. Please take time to help by filling in this questionnaire.

You do not need to give your name, and your answers are strictly confidential.

https://survey.us.confirmit.com/wix/1/p267105709611.aspx

It only takes 10-15 minutes of your time to contribute your experience and make a difference in the quality of information available about vasculitis.

Cellular Horizons – Improving Decisions About Access to Stem Cell Interventions

Have you had or thought about having stem cell treatment in Australia?

Do you care for someone who has?                                                                                                                 

Are you interested in sharing your views on access to these therapies?

As part of a research project, we are asking people about their experiences when considering stem cell or other cellular therapies. We are interested in:

• How people find out about stem cell or other cellular therapies?
• What makes people decide to have treatment or not?
• Who should determine access and under what circumstances?

This project is being undertaken by four universities across Australia and the National University of Singapore and is funded by the Australian Government through the Medical Research Future Fund Stem Cell Therapies Mission. Our partners include Arthritis Australia, Cerebral Palsy Alliance, MND Australia, MS Australia, Musculoskeletal Australia, and Parkinson’s Victoria. The project has received approval from Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee.

Please visit our website – www.monash.edu/arts/social-sciences/cellular-horizons to find out more about the project. You can also contact [email protected] who can answer any questions you may have. Interviews will take place with researchers over the phone or via Zoom (or your preferred online platform), will be confidential, and take approximately an hour. You will receive a $50 voucher in recognition of your contribution to the project.

The Impact of Chronic Pain on Daily Life

Chronic pain affects ~25% of the adult population in the UK and there is an urgent need to develop safer and more effective medications to help those living with pain. A major hurdle in the development of new painkillers is poor translation of pain when tested in laboratory animals and human patients. We believe focusing on how pain affects the natural behaviour of mice may hold better value when testing novel medications. Measuring changes in natural behaviours, such as digging activity, also represent a refinement in the assessment of pain in lab animals. To determine how well such changes correlate with how humans experience pain we are running this study to better understand how chronic pain impacts the daily lives of adults.

Who can participate?

To be eligible to participate in this study you must be:

• 18 years or older
• Diagnosed with a health condition that causes chronic pain (regular bouts of pain for at least 3 months).

What will you have to do in this study?

You will be asked questions about health conditions which may cause you chronic pain, how you manage your pain and how the pain that you experience impacts your day-to-day life. All data gathered will remain anonymous to the researchers, although some basic demographic information will also be collected to assess how representative responders are of the general population. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.

If you would like to participate and find out more information about the study, please click the link below:

https://cambridge.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_escUKNk20RKsGWO

Comparing the Clinical Features of Mechanical and Inflammatory Heel Pain

What is the study about?

La Trobe University is investigating the clinical differences in heel pain between individuals with an inflammatory condition and individuals without. We hope to learn more about how to differentiate between individuals with heel pain that is caused by a systemic (i.e. whole body) inflammatory condition and individuals with heel pain that is caused by mechanical strain (i.e. from overuse). Participants will also receive a free MRI as part of the study which will be conducted at Direct Radiology in Fairfield, Victoria.

Who can participate?

To be eligible to participate in this study you must be:

• 18 years or older
• Living in Melbourne or surrounding suburbs.
• Diagnosed with a form of spondyloarthritis by a rheumatologist
• Experiencing pain either in the back or bottom of your heel for at least two weeks
• Able to report your average pain in the last seven days is greater than 3/10

What will I have do in this study?

You will have an interview via telephone to screen and confirm your eligibility for the study. Once your eligibility is confirmed and you are happy to participate, you will be required to come to the La Trobe University Health Science Clinic in Bundoora, where you will have an ultrasound taken of your feet and knees, you will also complete a series of questionnaires on a computer. During this initial session you will also be given a referral to Direct Radiology in Fairfield where you will receive your MRI (free of charge) of your affected heel.

Once you have completed your MRI, your participation in the study will be ceased. You will receive a copy of your MRI report via email once it has been completed by the radiology clinic.

If you would like to participate and to find more information about the study, please click the link below.

https://glenwhittaker.wixsite.com/heelpain

A Trial of Two Psychological Treatments to Help Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis

 What is this study about?
We are conducting a research study which will assess the effectiveness of different online psychological interventions for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). This research will seek to better understand why some interventions are more effective for specific individuals than others. By developing and evaluating online versions of these interventions we also hope to increase accessibility to these interventions.

Who can take part in the study?

To be eligible for inclusion in this study, you must be an adult (aged over 18) who is currently living in Australia and has a confirmed diagnosis of RA. In addition to this, you must also have regular access to the internet and have functional written and spoken English.

If you are receiving treatment for RA, you must have been on a consistent treatment regime for more than one month to participate in this study. If you are taking anti-depressant medication, you must have been on a stable dose for more than 8 weeks to take part in this study.

You will not be eligible for this study, if you have:

• suicidal intent requiring emergency care
• substance abuse or dependence
• a psychotic illness
• received consistent psychotherapy within the last 6 months

What will the study involve for me?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will firstly complete a short online questionnaire to confirm your eligibility for the study. A clinical psychologist will then conduct a telephone interview with you, in order to confirm your eligibility.

As part of this study, you will be randomly assigned to either one of two different treatments or to a waitlist control condition. Both treatment groups will complete an 8-week online course. During the course you will be guided by a registered clinical psychologist who will offer telephone and email support. If you are allocated to the waitlist control, you will not be given access to either program during the study. However, at the conclusion of the study you will be given access to the program of your choice.

Study Safety
This study has been approved by the University of Sydney (2021/516) Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC).
Contact us:

To learn more about the study and see if you are eligible, please click:https://sydney.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_dnaZ8U87Y9I7TKK.

If you have any further queries, please contact us via email: [email protected]

About the study

We are looking for volunteers to help researchers learn more about a potential new therapy for rheumatoid arthritis.

Participation in the study is expected to last up to 16 weeks. This includes:

• 12 week treatment period
• 4 week follow-up period
• 5 visits to the study site at Maroochydore, QLD and 1 phone call

Eligibility requirements

• Are aged 18 – 80 years old
• Have been diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis and experiencing joint pain/stiffness.

Unfortunately, participants with a history of any other rheumatic autoimmune disease, other than Sjogren’s syndrome will not be eligible.

Participant benefits

• Receive free study-related medical care
• May gain access to new potential treatments before they are widely available.
• Be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses such as travel and parking.

If you would like to participate, please click here to register for the trial.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RheumatoidArthritisTrial

For more information please contact the Servatus team on 0451 211 913.