FAQs
The IDEAL-BACKPACS study aims to make it easier and faster for General Practice clinicians to identify patients who may have axial Spondyloarthritis (axSpA), through designing and testing a new tool which may help GP practice staff in diagnosing axSpA.
Who can participate in the study?
Participants must be aged 16-50 years, have long-term back pain lasting over three months that began before age 45, have attended a participating GP practice, and the GP practice staff think you may be able to take part in this study.
How do I get involved in the study?
First, please make sure you have read the
information for participants or watched one of the participant information videos available
here. If you would like to take part you must first register your interest for the study. You will find a link in the SMS text message you received from your GP. Please complete your contact details and a member of the research team at your local hospital will be in touch (phone call or video call). They will answer any questions you have and check you are eligible to take part. If you are eligible and are happy to take part they will email you an online consent form to complete.
What will I need to do if I participate?
If you agree to take part, once you have completed the consent form you will be asked to complete an online questionnaire and attend two hospital visits at your local hospital. Visit 1 involves a clinical assessment, blood test and x-ray of your lower back and pelvis. Visit 2 involves an MRI scan of your back and pelvis.
How long will the study take?
The online questionnaire takes about 25 minutes, while each hospital visit includes a 30-minute assessment and a 30-minute MRI and X-ray appointment.
Will my information be kept confidential?
Personal information will be kept secure, and only relevant parties, like your GP practice, will be informed of your participation. Further information on how we use your data can be found in sections 11, 12 and 13 of the participant information sheet
here.
Do I have to take part in the study?
It is up to you whether or not you take part in the study. Even if you agree now, you are free to withdraw at a later date if you wish. We will talk to you about the study and answer any questions you may have. If you agree to take part, we will ask you to sign a consent form.
What if I have questions during the study?
Participants can contact the research team on email:
ideal@nottingham.ac.uk and by telephone 0115 7487106 with any questions or concerns throughout the study.
Is there any compensation for participating?
Yes, a £15 shopping voucher will be provided to you for attending the study visits.
What will happen to any samples I give?
The blood sample taken for this study will be analysed at the local hospital laboratory and the results of the blood test will be recorded by the research team. The sample will then be destroyed and no further tests will be performed on the blood sample. The results will be shared with the clinical team and research team running the study.
What happens at the end of the study?
When the study ends, your healthcare will continue as normal. If you withdraw from the study, we will need to keep and use the data collected up to your withdrawal. At the end of the study the results will be published in scientific medical journals and presented at conferences. You will not be identified in any publication. We will send you a newsletter with a summary of the study findings, unless you ask us not to.