Your experience matters: Help evaluate the death certification system

• This project is being run by the BRACE Rapid Evaluation Centre, a collaboration between the University of Birmingham, RAND Europe, University of Cambridge and Thiscovery. BRACE is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). You can find out more about BRACE at NIHR BRACE Rapid Evaluation Centre - University of Birmingham.
• The survey will be hosted on Thiscovery, a secure online platform for health research. Thiscovery is run by THIS Labs, an independent organisation that helps with health research.
• This research has been reviewed and approved by the University of Birmingham Research Ethics Committee (reference number XXX).

How do I take part?

• You will be asked to complete an eligibility check and an online consent form, before completing the survey.
• At the end, we’ll ask a few optional questions about your professional background. 

Do I have to answer all the questions?

• You do not have to answer all of the questions. However, we hope you will answer as many questions as possible, as this will provide the best possible information about your views and experiences.

How much time will it take?

• The survey is expected to take approximately 15 minutes, but you can take as much time filling in the survey as you require.

Can I take a break part way through answering questions?

• Yes – you do not have to answer all the questions in one go but if you do need to take a break, please keep the browser open so you don't lose your progress.
• Once you have completed each page, please press the 'next' or 'submit' button so we receive your responses to that point

Can I ask for help to complete the questions?

• Yes. You can ask someone to help you navigate Thiscovery or answer the questions, if you would like.  
• If you ask for help, please do answer the questions from your own point of view, rather than the views of the person helping.

Is there a deadline for completing the questions?

• The survey closes for responses on [add date here].  

What if I want to stop taking part?

• If you opted to provide an email address at the end of the survey, you can withdraw personal and/or research data up until one week after the survey close [insert date].
• If you don't provide your contact details, we will not be able to remove your survey answers later. This is because we won't know which answers are yours.
• To withdraw from the project please email help@thiscovery.org  

What are the possible benefits of taking part?

• By taking part in this study, you will have an opportunity to share your views on the death certification reforms and the operation of the statutory medical examiner system. These insights will help the project team understand what is working well, identify challenges, and inform improvements to the death certification process.

Are there any disadvantages or risks of taking part?

• We do not anticipate there are any risks to taking part in this survey. You do not have to answer any questions you do not want to and can stop at any time. If you find taking part in this project distressing in any way, please get in touch directly with us via  help@thiscovery.org.

What happens to my answers?

• Your answers will be analysed along with the answers from all other participants and will be used to evaluate the implementation, delivery and early outcomes of the death certification reforms.
• Findings from the project will be published in online reports and may also be published in academic journals and publicised on social media.
• Nobody will be able to identify you in any findings that are published; your responses are anonymous.

How can I learn about the findings of the project?

• You will be emailed a summary of findings when they are ready, if you have chosen to be contacted for this purpose. You can let us know at the end of the survey.

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• For technical problems or questions about the platform, please contact the Thiscovery team at help@thiscovery.org.
• If you have a complaint about any aspect of the project, please contact Professor Jo Ellins (Principal Investigator) at the University of Birmingham j.l.ellins@bham.ac.uk.
• If you wish to raise a complaint about how we have handled your information, please contact the university Data Protection Officer at [XXXX].
• If you are not happy with their response or believe they are processing your data in a way that is not right or lawful, you can complain to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) at www.ico.org.uk or telephone 0303 123 1113.