Who is conducting the research?
| Names: | Dr Leanne Casey | Professor Tian Oei | Dr Namrata Raylu |
|---|---|---|---|
| BA(Hons), MClinPsych, PhD | BA, MPsych, PhD | BSc, MSc, PhD(Clinical Psych) | |
| MAPS | FAPS | MAPS | |
| QLD reg. no. 873883 | QLD reg. no. 843 664 | NSW reg. no. PS0072730 | |
| School of Psychology, Griffith University | School of Psychology, University of Queensland | School of Psychology, University of Queensland |
Contact Phone: (07) 3735 3383
Contact Email:
Why is the research being conducted?
This project is investigating the use of internet-based treatment for problem gambling in order to increase the available treatment options for people who experience difficulty in controlling their gambling. The project is being run from Griffith University.
What does the program involve?
This program is only available for people who are currently residing in Australia. This program, which runs from Griffith University, involves going through six weekly sessions online. The aim of this program is to help you to take charge of your gambling behaviours and urges.
What you will be asked to do
This project has a number of research requirements. Participation in the study is voluntary and you are free to withdraw at any time without penalty. You must be willing to be randomly allocated to either Internet Cognitive Behavioural Treatment (I-CBT); Internet Monitoring, Feedback and Support (I-MFS); or to what is known as a waiting list group. Both I-CBT and I-MFT will involve you completing an online session each week for a period of six weeks. People in the waiting list group will need to wait six weeks before commencing in either the I-CBT or I-MFS treatment.
You must also be prepared to complete a number of questionnaires before, during and after treatment, as well as a telephone interview before being accepted into the program. You will be required to complete the questionnaires again at 3, 6 and 12 months after the treatment so that we can evaluate your progress. Follow-up will generally be conducted using mail outs. To maintain your confidentiality, these mail outs will only have the University logo (there will not be anything written on the envelope to identify the content of the mail). Let us know if you prefer to receive the follow-up questionnaires via the email. If the follow-up questionnaires are not returned on time, we will first contact you via email. If we have to contact you using one of the numbers you provide us, discretion will be used to ensure your participation in this program is not revealed without your consent.
What does it cost?
Participation in the program is free. You will be asked to complete confidential questionnaires before, during and after treatment, to help us in the ongoing assessment of our program.
The basis by which participants will be selected or screened
Participants will be accepted into the project if they are judged as either at risk of or currently experiencing problem gambling according to standardized clinical assessment measures. Online programs are not suitable for individuals who are experiencing acute psychological distress and/or who are currently suicidal. Instead, such individuals will be advised to contact public mental health agencies who are equipped to deal with such emergencies.
The expected benefits of the research
It is anticipated that this project will provide important information regarding the potential benefits of online treatment for problem gambling and increase the availability and access of such treatment.
Risks to you
There are no foreseeable risks to clients. Each client will be provided with phone and email contact details of the research team. In addition, each client will be asked to provide the name and contact details of their local service provider (which in the majority of cases will be their GP) for the research team to contact in the event of an emergency.
Your confidentiality
Confidentiality will be ensured by a) storing participant records in a locked cabinet & room within university facilities, b) ensuring ongoing access to the site is through user names and passwords only, issued by the administrator in the project, c) de-identifying data before data entry, d) hosting the site on a secure server.
Please note that this site uses a digital certificate to secure all sensitive information you send us (e.g., personal details and responses to questionnaires). When you see a small padlock in the status bar at the bottom of the browser window, you will know that information you send on that page is secured.
Your participation is voluntary
Your participation is voluntary and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time. If you decide to withdraw at any time, you will be contacted by one of the members of the research team and will be offered some other brief intervention.
Questions / further information
For further information, please contact:
Improving the Odds, School of Psychology, Griffith University.
Ph: (07) 3735 3383
Email:
The ethical conduct of this research
Griffith University conducts research in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans. If potential participants have any concerns or complaints about the ethical conduct of the research project they should contact the Manager, Research Ethics on 3735 5585 or research-ethics@griffith.edu.au.
Feedback to you
Feedback regarding your individual progress will provided as part of treatment procedures. A summary of the overall findings of the project will be available on request.
Privacy Statement
The conduct of this research involves the collection, access and / or use of your identified personal information. The information collected is confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent, except to meet government, legal or other regulatory authority requirements. A de-identified copy of this data may be used for other research purposes. However, your anonymity will at all times be safeguarded. For further information consult the University’s Privacy Plan at www.griffith.edu.au/ua/aa/vc/pp or telephone (07) 3735 5585.
