PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET
Title: ‘How is Legionella risk controlled in premise plumbing system?’
Chief Investigator
Hao Xi
College of Science and Engineering
Flinders University
Tel: +61 2 8536 4045
Supervisor
Associate Professor Harriet Whiley
College of Science and Engineering
Flinders University
Tel: +61 8 7221 8580
Supervisor
Professor Kirstin Ross
College of Science and Engineering
Flinders University
Tel: +61 8 7221 8584
Supervisor
Dr Greg Falzon
College of Science and Engineering
Flinders University
Tel: +61 8 8201 2287
Description of the study
This project will investigate “How is Legionella risk controlled in premise plumbing systems”. This project is supported by Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering.
Purpose of the study
The purpose of the study is to investigate the Legionella control in premise plumbing systems. With the increasing number of Legionnaires’ disease cases, Legionella poses a significant public health risk, particularly to voluntary population in healthcare facilities. Proper monitoring and management in building potable water systems are essential to control Legionella. This research aims to explore how the Legionella control solutions are applied in premise plumbing systems, providing a better understanding and benchmarks for facility managers, designers, specialists and researchers. Understanding these elements of Legionella control process will inform further research into developing more effective solutions for monitoring and managing Legionella risk in premise plumbing systems.
Benefits of the study
By participating in the study, you will gain the insight in current state of Legionella control practices in premise plumbing systems. That will enhance your understanding and awareness of public health measure. The sharing of your experiences will help us understand how the Legionella control solutions are implemented in premise plumbing systems. This can lead to improved methods and solutions that benefit public health, particularly in healthcare facilities. You will have the opportunity to contribute to this important research aiming to reduce Legionnaires’ disease, thereby supporting the well-being of voluntary populations.
Participant involvement and potential risks
If you agree to participate in the research study, you will be asked to:
- Complete an online survey.
If you present interest in the following interview by providing your email address at the end of survey, you will be asked to:
- Attend a one-on-one interview with a researcher that will be audio recorded. The interview will take approximately 15-20 minutes.
If you experience feelings of distress as a result of participation in this study, you can contact the following services for support:
Withdrawal Rights
You may decline to take part in this research study. If you decide to take part and later change your mind, you may withdraw at any time without providing an explanation. To withdraw, please contact the Chief Investigator to have your data removed from the study or you may just refuse to answer any questions / close the internet browser and leave the online survey. Any data collected up to the point of your withdrawal will be securely destroyed.
Confidentiality and Privacy
Only researchers listed on this form have access to the individual information provided by you. Researchers will take all possible steps to ensure privacy and confidentiality will be adhered to at all times. The research outcomes may be presented at conferences, written up for publication or used for other research purposes as described in this information form. You will not be named, and your individual information will not be identifiable in any research products without your explicit consent. No data, including identifiable, non-identifiable and de-identified datasets, will be shared or used in future research projects.
Data Storage
The information collected will be stored securely on a password protected computer and/or Flinders University server throughout the study. Any identifiable data will be de-identified for data storage purposes unless indicated otherwise. All data will be securely transferred to and stored at Flinders University for five years after publication of the results. Following the required data storage period, all data will be securely destroyed according to university protocols.
How will I receive feedback?
On project completion, a short summary of the outcomes will be provided to all participants via email.
Ethics Committee Approval
The project has been approved by Flinders University’s Human Research Ethics Committee (#7404).
Queries and Concerns
Queries or concerns regarding the research can be directed to the research team. If you have any complaints or reservations about the ethical conduct of this study, you may contact the Flinders University’s Research Ethics and Compliance Office team either via telephone (08) 8201 2543 or by emailing the Office via human.researchethics@flinders.edu.au.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information sheet which is yours to keep.
By completing/submitting this survey, you are consenting to participate in this study and to the conditions outlined in the Participant Information Form.