The following information will remain available for anyone wishing to explore how the study was conducted.
Before anyone decided to be a volunteer for the test, it was important for them to understand why the research was being done and what it involved.
The following information was offered:
1. Who can volunteer for the test?
2. I have no intention of quitting smoking; can I still have the test?
3. I am already thinking of giving up (or trying to give up) smoking, can I still have the test?
4. Who cannot volunteer for the study?
5. What is the purpose of the study?
6. What happens if I change my mind?
7. What do I have to do?
8. How much time does it take?
9. What are the advantages of taking part?
10. Is it confidential?
11. Do I get any payment for volunteering?
12. I live outside the area can I volunteer?
13. I have other questions where can I ask?
1. Who can volunteer for the test?
Anyone who is 35 years old or over AND is currently a smoker may be eligible. There are some people who are unsuitable, such as those with lung cancer or who have had part of a lung removed.
2. I have no intention of quitting smoking; can I still have the test?
Yes. The testing is about informing people about their own health and even if you decide to continue smoking you will be able to see the change in your lungs over the study period.
3. I am already thinking of (or trying to give up) giving up smoking can I still have the test?
Yes. Even if you are thinking of quitting you are still able to have the test. As long as you are still a smoker at the first visit for testing you can be included in the study.
4. Who cannot volunteer for the study?
Most people over 35 are eligible for the study even if they have other conditions like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or chronic bronchitis. However there are some diseases which prevent the test being done or make it unreliable. There is a full list of things that exclude people from the study on the questionnaire page. If you are still unsure please contact the research administrator.
5. What is the purpose of the study?
The study is looking at ways that smoking affects your health and is attempting to find a new way of giving information about the health of your lungs and empowering people to stop smoking.
6. What happens if I change my mind?
Refusal to take part will not affect your normal care from your own doctor. If you decide to take part you can withdraw your consent at any time without needing to give an explanation.
7. What do I have to do?
The study does not involve any experimental drugs. Your medical care will continue to be in the control of you and your own doctor.
The study will involve you attending a designated testing site(usually a local GP surgery) as near to your home as possible on two occasions over a twelve month period. You will also be contacted about 3 to 6 months after the initial testing to check there are no questions or problems.
The research doctor or nurse will ask you about your past medical history and to fill in a questionnaire about your quality of life related to breathing function.
You will be asked to do a simple breathing test.
A random half of the participants will be given information about their lung function in a new way.
After repeating the test and a questionnaire in 12 months all participants will be told how their health and lungs have changed and a report will be given to their own doctor (with your written consent).
Everyone will be given standard basic information about stopping smoking.
8. How much time does it take?
The initial assessment takes between 30 and 40 minutes. The second visit will be shorter and take about 15 to 20 minutes.
9. What are the advantages of taking part?
After the results are complete you will be able to find out how smoking has affected your health and how it has changed over a 12-month period. If you give your written consent, at the end of the study your own doctor will get a report containing information, which is not routinely available.
10. Is it confidential?
When the results are analysed and/or published any information will be anonymous and any personal details will be strictly confidential to the researchers.
11. Do I get any payment for volunteering?
The study is funded by a research charity called The Health Foundation. No financial incentive can be offered to participants although we hope to offer either a token or travel expenses to thank you and to compensate for travel expenses and your time. We are also planning to have prize draw towards the end of the study, and your name will be included, unless you opt out.
12. I live outside the area can I volunteer?
Unfortunately, the rules governing research mean that at the moment we can only test people in Hertfordshire and West Essex where ethical committee approval has already been obtained.
13. Any other questions please e-mail us on info@step2quit.co.uk.
