Volunteer for a research study
Volunteer for research
RECOVER Injury Research Centre is conducting a number of research studies to improve the health outcomes of people injured in road traffic crashes.
The Co-design of Virtual Reality for the Management of Adult Neurogenic Communication Disorders: Client Perspective
Aim:
- The main aim of this study is to trial a prototype Virtual Reality (VR) application with adults who have neurogenic communication difficulties.
- This study aims to explore the perspectives of adults with communication difficulties due to neurological impairment about the usability and usefulness of VR technology within the context of communication rehabilitation.
- It is hoped that benefits and barriers to potential uptake of this technology will be identified so that the technology can be further developed to meet the specific demands of the end-users.
Types of volunteers needed:
- Adults (18 years of age or older) with communication difficulties resulting from neurological impairment.
- Those with adequate mobility and balance to walk/manoeuvre a wheelchair, with minimal assistance.
- Those with sufficient English language skills to understand and answer interview questions.
What is involved?
If you decide to participate in this study, your participation will involve attending a 1 to 1.5-hour face-to-face session at RECOVER Injury Research Centre at the Surgical Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS), Herston Road, Herston.
You will be asked to wear VR goggles (see photo) and trial the VR application that could potentially be used in the management of the adult with communication difficulties due to neurological impairment. You will remain seated for all activities performed wearing the VR goggles.
What's in it for me?
There will be no direct benefit to you from participating in this research. However, the information collected in this study may assist in improving our understanding of how VR could best be used in communication rehabilitation in the future. The outcome of this study will inform the future development of VR for improving the management of the adult with communication difficulties due to neurological impairment.
How can I volunteer or find out more?
Read the study information sheet (PDF, 229.8 KB).
People interested in participating or learning more about the study can contact Ms Danielle Aldridge, Senior Research Officer, RECOVER Injury Research Centre on email d.aldridge@uq.edu.au
Medicine use following a neck or back injury
Medicine use following a neck or back injury
Have you recently experienced neck or back pain following a road traffic crash or other injury?
We need your input for a research study about people’s experiences of using medicines after injury. Participate by telephone from home!
Aim:
To explore people’s experiences of medicine use for a neck or lower back injury incurred following an injury.
Type of volunteers needed:
- Over 18 years old
- Experienced neck or back pain as a result of an injury within the past 12 months
- Visited a GP OR attended an Emergency Department, but not admitted
- Used a prescription or over-the-counter medicine for this neck or back injury, and
- Fluent in English
Individuals are not eligible to participate if another, more serious, injury such as a broken bone was experienced; or if you have had neck or back pain for longer than twelve months.
What is involved?
A phone interview for up to 40 minutes, at a time convenient to you. Everything you say will be completely confidential and anonymous. Read the participant information sheet (PDF, 98.1 KB)
What’s in it for me?
Participants who complete the interview will receive a $20 gift voucher to thank them for their contribution.
We cannot guarantee or promise that you will receive any additional benefits from this research; however your time, experience, and feedback will likely benefit others who experience neck or back pain from an injury. Gaining a more in-depth understanding of people’s experiences will help guide development of the better treatment options to improve recovery.
How can I volunteer or find out more?
Read the study brochure (PDF, 135.9 KB).
People interested in participating or learning more about the study can contact Ms Sarah Robins, Research Assistant, on email whiplashresearch@uq.edu.au or call 07 3346 4812 or Dr Jane Nikles on email uqjnikle@uq.edu.au or 0408 599 033
Whiplash research studies
Focus: The focus of the Improving health outcomes after musculoskeletal injury research team at RECOVER is to develop effective diagnosis, assessment and treatment for people with musculoskeletal injury following a motor vehicle crash. Our research includes many different aspects of recovery.
Type of volunteers needed:
We are often looking for volunteers for different studies.
- >18 years old
- Experiencing musculoskeletal pain, for example neck or back pain.
What is involved?
Each study has slightly different requirements with some requiring the completion of online questionnaires, others involve telephone or face-to-face interviews, whilst some include participation in activities or treatment.
What’s in it for me?
While you may not personally benefit from participating in this research, your time, experience, and feedback will likely benefit others who experience neck or back pain from a motor vehicle crash. Gaining a more in-depth understanding of people’s experiences will help guide development of the best treatment options to improve recovery.
How can I volunteer or find out more?
If you would like to register your interest to be contacted about a study that may suit your particular whiplash history, please contact Ms Sarah Robins, Research Assistant, on email whiplashresearch@uq.edu.au or call 07 3346 4812
PACE Musculoskeletal Study
Aim:
To help people recover from musculoskeletal conditions including neck pain, whiplash, low back pain, and knee osteoarthritis by assessing an innovative approach that guides health professionals in managing injured people based on their prognosis.
Types of volunteers required:
- Have sought health care within the last 4 weeks
- Neck pain or whiplash (>18 years old)
- Non-specific low back pain (>18 years old)
- Knee osteoarthritis (>45 years old) and have not undergone or scheduled for joint replacement surgery
- No confirmed fractures or dislocations at the time of the injury
What is involved?
The study runs for twelve months and involves completing online baseline questionnaires and then again at 3, 6 and 12 months after initial assessment.
What is in it for me?
As it is a randomised trial, participants will be allocated to one of 2 treatment groups. One group will be treated by their usual doctor or other health professional and the other group will be given treatment based on their response to the questionnaires, with care provided by their primary provider and/or a specialist provider. Participants will receive two $25 vouchers, one after completing the 3 month and the other after completing the 12 month questionnaires.
How can I volunteer or find out more?
If you are interested in participating please complete the screening questionnaire or contact Sarah Robins on 3346 4812 or 0436 391 158, or email s.robins1@uq.edu.au