You are being invited to take part in a research study. Before you decide whether to join in, it is important for you to understand why the research is being done and what it will involve. Please take time to read the following information carefully and discuss it with friends, relatives and your GP if you wish. Email us if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information. Take time to decide whether or not you want to take part.

Trial Information

Browse the frequently asked questions below.

What is the purpose of this study?

This study is to determine whether diagnosis and treatment recommended over the Internet will reduce cough frequency and severity in patients with chronic cough.

What is involved if I agree to take part in this study?

If you agree to take part then you will be asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire concerning your symptoms, past medical history and treatments. This is to see if you meet with inclusion criteria to take part in the study.

You will then receive a recommendation of your diagnosis and a suggestion as to the best management suggested by the National guidelines. Sometimes you will be able to try treatment available over the counter. At other times the best recommended treatment may be prescribed by your doctor. Whatever the choice we will give you a letter to print off to explain the process and recommendation to your doctor. We will subsequently email you to find out how you are getting on.

Can I withdraw from the study once I start?

Yes you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason. Your medical rights will not be affected in any way. Also the doctor may wish to withdraw you from the study at any time whether you consent or not, giving you an explanation for doing so.

What will happen to the results of the research study?

The Division of Academic Medicine will make the study report available to Professor Morice. Professor Morice will be able to tell you when the results are available and can discuss them with you if you wish. You will not be identified in any report or publication.

What happens if anything goes wrong in the study?

If you are harmed by your participation in the study, there are no special compensation arrangements. If you are harmed due to someone's negligence, then you may have grounds for legal action. Regardless of this, if you have any cause to complain about your treatment whilst taking part in the trial, the normal complaints mechanism available to anyone receiving care in the National Health Service are available to you and are not compromised in any way because you have taken part in a research study.

For further information in writing please contact:-

Professor A. H. Morice, Rachel Thompson or Caroline Wright
Division of Academic Medicine
Castle Hill Hospital
Castle Road
Cottingham
East Yorkshire
HU16 5JQ
UK

Tel: +44 (0) 1482) 624067
Fax: +44 (0) 1482 624068

Please keep this information sheet for reference up to one month from the study end.