Current practice of corticosteroid injection for common foot and ankle conditions in Australia The research is being carried out by the following researchers: |
| Role | Name | Organisation |
| Chief investigator | Glen Whittaker | La Trobe University, School of Allied Health Human Services and Sport |
| Co-investigator | Naomi Blood | Toorak Village Podiatry |
| Co-investigator | Matthew Cotchett | La Trobe University, School of Allied Health Human Services and Sport |
| Student investigator | Christopher Couesnon | La Trobe University, School of Allied Health Human Services and Sport |
| Research funder | This research is supported by in kind support by La Trobe University. |
1. What is the study about?
You are invited to participate in a study of the current practice of corticosteroid injection for common foot and ankle conditions by Australian health professionals (such as foot and ankle surgeons, radiologists, rheumatologists, and podiatrists). We hope to learn about the corticosteroid, local anaesthetics, and injection techniques that are being used in Australia for common foot and ankle conditions.
2. Do I have to participate?
Being part of this study is voluntary. If you want to be part of the study we ask that you read the information below carefully.
You can read the information below and decide at the end if you do not want to participate. If you decide not to participate this won't affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other listed organisation.
3. Who is being asked to participate?
You have been asked to participate because you:
- Are a health professional registered with AHPRA
- Are an Australian resident
- Use a primary language that is the same as the researchers
- Have administered at least 1 corticosteroid injection for a foot or ankle condition in the past 6 months.
4. What will I be asked to do?
If you want to take part in this study, we will ask you to complete an online survey answering questions about how you use corticosteroid injection in your clinical practice. It will take approximately 10-15 minutes of your time to be part of this study.
5. What are the benefits?
There is minimal benefit to you taking part in this research, however you have an opportunity to provide meaningful data about how health professionals use corticosteroid injection in Australia. The expected benefits to society in general are understanding how Australian health professionals use corticosteroid injection to manage common foot and ankle conditions, which can inform future randomsied trials comparing the effectiveness of corticosteroids and injection techniques.
6. What are the risks?
With any study there are (1) risks we know about, (2) risks we don't know about, and (3) risks we don't expect. If you experience something that you aren't sure about, please contact us immediately so we can discuss the best way to manage your concerns.
| Name/Organisation | Position | Telephone | Email |
| Glen Whittaker | Senior Lecturer | +613 9479 5785 | g.whittaker@latrobe.edu.au |
We do not foresee any risks associated with this study.
7. What will happen to information about me?
By clicking on the 'I agree, start questionnaire' button, this tells us you want to take part in the study.
We will collect information about you in ways that will not reveal who you are.
We will store information about you in ways that will not reveal who you are.
We will publish information about you in ways that will not be identified in any type of publication from this study.
We will keep your information for an indefinite period after the project is completed because we may use your data for future closely related research. We will destroy all of your data if we deem it cannot be used for future research.
The storage, transfer and destruction of your data will be undertaken in accordance with the Research Data Management Policy https://policies.latrobe.edu.au/document/view.php?id=106/.
The personal information you provide will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy laws, any health information collected will be handled in accordance with the Health Records Act 2001 (Vic). Subject to any exceptions in relevant laws, you have the right to access and correct your personal information by contacting the research team.
8. Will I hear about the results of the study?
Yes you can hear about the results of the study through: (i) reading the publication associated with this research, or (ii) you can contact the Chief Investigator who can discuss the results of the study with you.
9. What if I change my mind?
If you no longer want to complete the questionnaire, simply close the web browser. If you change your mind after clicking on the 'Submit' button, we cannot withdraw your responses because we cannot link who you are with your questionnaire responses.
Your decision to withdraw at any point will not affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other organisation listed.
10. Who can I contact for questions or want more information?
If you would like to speak to us, please use the contact details below:
| Name/Organisation | Position | Telephone | Email |
| Glen Whittaker | Senior Lecturer | +613 9479 5785 | g.whittaker@latrobe.edu.au |
11. What if I have a complaint?
If you have a complaint about any part of this study, please contact:
| Ethics Reference Number | Position | Telephone | Email |
| HEC24151 | Senior Research Ethics Officer | +61 3 9479 1443 | humanethics@latrobe.edu.au |
You can download a copy of the Participant Information and Consent Form by clicking the attachment link below.