Created 03/05/2012

University of Manchester Participant Information Sheet

Research Title: Understanding the concept of oral health need in planning dental services. Principle Researcher: Nicholas Deal

Introduction
You are being invited to take part in a research study on understanding oral health needs being conducted by the University of Manchester. Please take a few moments to look over this information sheet to see if you would like to take part. Below you will find information on the aims of the study and what is required from you as a participant. If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact the researcher via the contact details given at the end of the document.

The context and aims of the study

The most recent changes to the NHS approved by the UK government in March 2012 include a change in the way dental services will be delivered. A new dental contract is currently being trialled across England which will focus on reducing waste and increasing access to NHS dental services. The governments chief advisor on dentistry and the British Dental Association (BDA) have insisted that any change in the dental contract must be designed to meet the oral health needs of the UK population. It is hoped that this research will help to clarify what the public considers the oral health needs of the population to be, and gain insight as to what service users require from NHS dental services. The study aims to provide answers to the following questions: What should be the focus of NHS dentistry? Does NHS dentistry currently meet the needs of patients, and if not why? What could be the possible barriers to achieving a better NHS dental service? What could be done to better meet oral health need in England?

What does the research involve for you?

If you would like to take part in the research, you will need to spare roughly 1 hour of your time to take part in a focus group. The focus group is designed to collect your experiences and opinions regarding NHS dental services and does not require any documents or further information from you. The focus groups will be tape-recorded and field notes will be taken by 1

Created 03/05/2012 the researcher. Prior to your participation you will be asked to complete a consent form, although you are free to withdraw from the research at any time.

What happens after the study?

When the interview is complete the tape recording will be transcribed and analysed by the researcher and will be used to inform research studies, and conference papers. If you would like to see any publications that arise from the research you are welcome to contact the researcher for an electronic copy of the research. The details can be found at the end of this document.

Confidentiality
As stated above all focus groups will be tape-recorded and transcribed. Only the researcher and the research team will have access to the interview data. All interview data will be kept in an encrypted file on a university laptop and transferred to university servers as soon as possible. The information gained from interviews will be used in studies, presentations and academic publications. Any findings reported will be presented anonymously without identifying the person or organisation. When or if any direct quotes are used for reports and studies pseudonyms will be used and no information will be presented that could identify the person or organisation.

What if there is a problem?

If you have a concern about any aspect of the study, you should speak to the researcher who will do their best to answer your questions. If they are unable to resolve your concern or you wish to make a complaint regarding the study, please contact a University Research Practice and Governance Co-ordinator on 0161 2757583 or 0161 2758093 or by email to researchgovernance@manchester.ac.uk. nicholas.deal-2@postgrad.manchester.ac.uk