Information and consent to participate

This survey is an activity of the Workforce & Education Program of the Australian Genomics Health Alliance (Australian Genomics). Australian Genomics is a NH&MRC-funded national network working towards the development of genomic medicine within Australia. The Workforce & Education Program aims to investigate current and future education and training needs of the workforce in genomic medicine.

This survey has three aims:

  1. To measure experience with genomic testing in clinical practice
  2. To assess medical specialist confidence, and preferences for models of practice for genomic testing
  3. To examine current and future genomics education and training needs of medical specialists.

We will use these data to examine the impact of genomics on workforce training and planning. We're particularly interested in medical specialists' experiences and opinions around proximity, preparedness, and preferences for genomic medicine.

The target audience for this survey is medical specialists who currently practice clinically in Australia.

It doesn't matter if you feel you don't know much about genomics, or don't incorporate it into your practice at the moment; your opinions, views and experiences are valuable to us.

Note: there are separate studies for clinical geneticists, oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and general practitioners, who will be contacted directly.

Please read about the survey in the information below. You can access the survey at the bottom of this page by clicking "Yes". By clicking "Yes" you are providing consent to participate in this research study by completing the survey.

This study has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Melbourne (HREC 1646785.8).

What will I be asked to do?

Should you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete a survey. The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. We appreciate it may be difficult to complete the survey in one sitting, so you can complete it over more than one session if needed. If so, you will need to make note of your individual Return Code to ensure your answers are saved and you continue where you left off.

How will my confidentiality be protected?

We will protect your anonymity and the confidentiality of your responses to the fullest possible extent, within the limits of the law. In addition, all responses are anonymous. If you choose to provide your name and contact details to participate in an interview at a later date and/or to receive a copy of the study findings, we will store these data separately from your survey responses

The information gathered in the survey will be reported in a collective way so that your individual responses cannot be identified. For example, as some demographic data could identify individual respondents in areas with few specialists, we will combine demographics data for some analyses.

Your responses will be stored on a password-protected computer at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne, Australia for a minimum period of 7 years. At the end of this storage period all the data will be disposed of by deleting all computer files and backup files.

What are the benefits of participating?

You will have the knowledge that you have helped inform clinical practice around genomic medicine. By participating in this research study, you will also be helping to shape future education programs in genomics.

What are the risks of participating?

In the course of answering the questions in the survey, participants may identify gaps in either their knowledge or practice which may cause feelings of anxiety. If you do experience any of these feelings we can direct you to educational materials or you may contact one of the research team members, who will discuss your concerns with you: Dr Amy Nisselle (T 03 9936 6340) or Associate Professor Clara Gaff (T 03 9936 6504).

Do I get a copy of the study findings?

At the end of the study we will publish relevant findings in peer reviewed scientific journals as well as reports on the Australian Genomics website. At the end of the survey, you can choose to provide your details to receive a copy of the study results directly.

Where can I get further information?

Should you require any further information, or have any concerns about the content of this survey, please do not hesitate to contact:

  • Dr Amy Nisselle, Specialist Project Officer, Australian Genomics Health Alliance, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (T 03 9936 6340 or amy.nisselle@mcri.edu.au)
  • Associate Professor Clara Gaff, Australian Genomics Health Alliance Program 4 Co-Lead, Murdoch Children's Research Institute (T 03 9936 6504; E clara.gaff@melbournegenomics.org.au).

Should you have any concerns about the conduct of the project, you are welcome to contact the Executive Officer, Human Research Ethics, The University of Melbourne (T 03 8344 2073; F 03 9347 6739).

How do I agree to participate?

By selecting the "Yes" checkbox below you agree to consent to completing the survey.

If you decide not to complete the survey now, we thank you for your interest in our study. You can always complete the survey at a later date.

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