We are asking you to take part in a study to evaluate the effectiveness of this online training. If you choose to participate, your anonymous responses from in-course quizzes and surveys may be used to better inform other trainings. No personal data will be collected and your responses will not be linked to you. If you choose not to participate, you will still be required to complete these quizzes and surveys as part of the course; however, your responses will not be included in any future analyses of the training. 

Please read the informed consent, below, then answer the following question to indicate your decision about participation. You may download this informed consent form here or may contact Dr. Sadie Ryan (sjryan@ufl.edu) for a copy of this form at any time. 

University of Florida

INFORMED CONSENT FORM for RESEARCH

UF IRB# 202100687

Title of Study: Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Online Tick Training Course

Principal Investigator: Sadie J. Ryan (sjryan@ufl.edu)

Co-Investigators: Rhoel Dinglasan (rdinglasan@epi.ufl.edu); Heather Coatsworth (h.coatsworth@ufl.edu); Jeff Gruntmeir (jgruntmeir@ufl.edu); Nicole Nazario (nicole.nazarioma@ufl.edu).

What are some general things you should know about research studies?

You are being asked to take part in a research study.  Your participation in this study is voluntary. You have the right to be a part of this study, to choose not to participate or to stop participating at any time without penalty.  The purpose of research studies is to gain a better understanding of a certain topic or issue. You are not guaranteed any personal benefits from being in a study. Research studies also may pose risks to those that participate. In this consent form you will find specific details about the research in which you are being asked to participate. If you do not understand something in this form it is your right to ask the researcher for clarification or more information. A copy of this consent form will be provided to you. If at any time you have questions about your participation, do not hesitate to contact the researchers named below.

What is the purpose of this study?

The purpose of this study is to gain insights from professionals and students in public health entomology and the urban pest management industry to evaluate the effectiveness of an online tick training program. We will evaluate the effectives of the training in terms of knowledge gained as well as evaluate barriers and facilitators to the transfer of knowledge.

What will happen if you take part in the study?

If you agree to participate in this study, you will be asked to participate in four online surveys: a pre-test, post-test, immediate post-course evaluation, and a delayed evaluation. Each survey should take approximately 5 to 10 minutes to complete. You will be asked questions that will assess your knowledge of topics covered within the course as well as your perceived knowledge gained, intent to use knowledge, and facilitators and barriers to use. We will not ask for any personally identifying information, and the survey responses will be analyzed in aggregate to further anonymize data.  

Risks

There is minimal risk in participating in this study as extensive measures will be made to ensure anonymity and confidentiality of the participants. The only potential risk to the participant is that their feedback may somehow be identified and tied to the participant, but due to the nature of the questions, there are no sensitive issues that will be discussed.  

Benefits

There are no direct benefits for participating in this study. Results from the study may indirectly benefit the participant by informing future training programs.  

Confidentiality

There is a minimal risk that security of any online data may be breached, but since (1) the data will be de-identified, (2) the data collected will be stored on a computer that is protected by a firewall and password, and (3) the nature of the questions do not involve sensitive issues, it is highly unlikely that a security breach of the online data will result in any adverse consequence for you.

Compensation

You will not receive anything for participating.

What if you have questions about this study?

If you have questions at any time about the study or the procedures, you may contact the principal investigator, Sadie J. Ryan, at sjryan@ufl.edu. Please contact the IRB office at (352) 392-0433 or via email at irb2@ufl.edu (reference IRB 202100687) should you have questions regarding your rights as a research participant. 

What if you have questions about your rights as a research participant?

 If you feel you have not been treated according to the descriptions in this form, or your rights as a participant in research have been violated during the course of this project, you may contact the University Institutional Review Board at (352) 392-0433 or via email at irb2@ufl.edu (reference IRB 202100687).

Consent to Participate

Now that you have read about the study, select the "Take the Survey" button below. You will be asked to indicate if you wish to participate by clicking the “I agree to participate” button to continue; if you do not consent to participate, click “I do not wish to participate” or just close the window.