Online Support Group Research Project Summary

Research Project Summary

Online Support Group Research Project Summary

People affected by pain are invited to take part in a study to learn more about the effectiveness of online support groups for people with chronic pain. Study volunteers must be 18 years or older. This study is sponsored by the American Pain Foundation, whose services for people affected by pain include PainAid, an online support group program. This study will be conducted by Yvette Colón, MSW
Director of Education & Internet Services
American Pain Foundation and Ph.D. Candidate
New York University School of Social Work
(410) 783-7292, ext. 223
yvette@painfoundation.org (as part of a doctoral dissertation)

The Faculty Sponsor is Dr. Martha A. Gabriel
New York University School of Social Work
(212) 998-5977
martha.gabriel@nyu.edu

Volunteers in this study about adults with chronic pain who participate in online pain support groups understand that their participation will include the following:
- Participate in PainAid, the American Pain Foundation's Online Support Group Program
- Use or participate in the online support group at least once a week
- Continue with the online support group for three months
- Complete 2 sets of questionnaires online: one at sign up for the study and one after 3 months (the questionnaires will take approximately 30 minutes to complete each time)
- The right to skip or not answer any questions they prefer not to answer
- The right to refuse to participate or withdraw from part or all of this study at any time
- The freedom to participate or not participate in the study without consequences
- Participation in this study is completely voluntary
- Participants can create a username and a password of their choice
- their real name will not be used, nor will they be identified personally in any way at any time
- If they agree to participate and change their minds, they will not be penalized and may continue to participate in PainAid without being part of this study
- They can continue to receive all services provided by the American Pain Foundation
- They understand that the results of the study will be included in a doctoral dissertation and may also be included in manuscripts submitted to professional journals for publication
- They understand that in appreciation of their participation, they will have the opportunity to download a free pain management relaxation audio file at the completion of the study

Confidentiality of all research records will be strictly maintained and participants' responses will be kept confidential.

There are no known risks associated with participation in this research beyond those of everyday life. Although participants will receive no direct benefits, this research may help the investigator understand the effectiveness of online support groups for adults with chronic pain.

This study has been explained to participants and their questions have been answered. If participants have additional questions or wish to report a research-related problem, they may contact the researcher:

American Pain Foundation
(410) 783-7292, ext. 223
yvette@painfoundation.org
the faculty sponsor at (212) 998-597
martha.gabriel@nyu.edu
New York University School of Social Work
1 Washington Square North
New York, NY 10003
For questions about their rights as a research participant, they may contact:
University Committee on Activities Involving Human Subjects
15 Washington Place
Apt. 1-A
New York, NY
10003-6657
telephone (212) 998-4808
fax (212) 995-4304
email: human.subjects@nyu.edu
website: http://www.nyu.edu/ucaihs