GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE RESEARCH PROJECT
Title: Global Sustainability Mindset in Healthcare Simulation: An International Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) of Healthcare Simulation Professionals.
Research setting: Web-based survey
What is the purpose of this study?
The aim of this study is primarily to analyze participants’ knowledge and attitudes regarding environmental sustainability in healthcare simulation, together with the sustainable practices already being implemented.
The ultimate goals are to:
- assess whether there is an association between demographic/professional variables and sustainable behaviors adopted;
- quantify the discrepancy between the importance attributed to climate issues and the frequency of virtuous behaviors adopted;
- identify any perceived barriers preventing sustainable action.
What are the characteristics and procedures of this study?
This is an observational study involving the collection of data through an anonymous online questionnaire addressed to healthcare simulation professionals.
During the preliminary phase, the researchers developed a specific questionnaire to assess knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to environmental sustainability. The questionnaire was reviewed by experts to ensure clarity and relevance.
Participation in the study consists exclusively of completing the questionnaire, which is accessible through an online link. Recruitment takes place on a voluntary basis through professional networks and sector communication channels.
No interventions or modifications to work activities are involved. The collected data are anonymous and will be analyzed in aggregate form for research purposes.
Why are you being invited to participate?
You are being invited to participate because you actively work in the field of healthcare simulation, and your experience is important in helping us better understand knowledge, opinions, and behaviors related to environmental sustainability in this area.
The information collected will help identify possible educational needs and strategies to promote more sustainable practices in healthcare simulation centers.
What will you be asked to do?
You will be asked to complete an anonymous online questionnaire, which will take approximately 10 minutes.
The questionnaire includes questions regarding:
- knowledge about environmental impact;
- personal opinions and perceptions regarding sustainability;
- behaviors adopted in professional practice.
No interventions or changes to your work activities are required.
RISKS, BENEFITS, AND SAFEGUARDS FOR PARTICIPANTS
What are the risks and/or discomforts associated with participation?
No risks are expected from participation in this study. If one or more questions make you uncomfortable, you are free not to answer them.
What are the benefits of participating in this study?
No personal benefits are expected from participation in this study.
What safeguards are in place to protect participants?
The study will be conducted in compliance with fundamental ethical principles, and with respect for the dignity, rights, and freedom of participants, in accordance with current research regulations and the principles stated in the Declaration of Helsinki (where applicable).
Voluntary participation and withdrawal of consent
The consent you are about to provide is free and voluntary. If you are not fully convinced, you may take additional time to decide.
You may stop completing the questionnaire at any time, without any consequences. In such a case, the data collected up to that point may be used exclusively in aggregated and non-identifiable form for scientific analysis purposes and to preserve the integrity of the research.
INFORMATION ON THE PROCESSING OF PERSONAL DATA
How will your personal data be managed and processed?
The processing and confidentiality of all information will be guaranteed in accordance with current legislation, specifically Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and of the Council (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR) and Legislative Decree no. 196 of 30 June 2003 (“Personal Data Protection Code”), as amended by Legislative Decree no. 101 of 10 August 2018 adapting national legislation to the GDPR provisions.
For further information, please visit the website of the Italian Data Protection Authority: https://www.garanteprivacy.it/regolamentoue.
For the purposes of this study, data collection will take place through the creation of a database using the user-friendly web interface LimeSurvey, which enables the rapid design, construction, and implementation of databases for structured data collection.
The anonymized data may be subject to review by regulatory authorities and may be used for scientific publications (journals, conferences).
Your data collected for the purposes of the study will be stored at the University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara campus, for a period of 10 years or longer, if necessary, in compliance with legal obligations binding upon the Data Controller and will subsequently be destroyed.
They will not be destroyed only if:
- it is no longer possible to trace them back to your identity because they have been anonymized during the study itself;
- your specific informed consent has been provided.
If personal data are transferred to a third country or international organization, all safeguards provided under Article 46 of GDPR 679/2016 regarding data transfers will be adopted.
Who will have access to your personal data?
Only the study researchers will have access to the collected data, which will in no way be traceable to the individual who completed the survey, and solely for analyses related to the study itself.
Will the confidentiality of personal data be protected?
In accordance with current legislation on personal data protection and Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of 27 April 2016 ("GDPR"), the confidentiality of your personal data will be guaranteed, as described in the "Information and Consent for the Processing of Personal Data" form, which you will be asked to sign.
Under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR), the Data Controller is the natural or legal person, public authority, agency, or other body which, alone or jointly with others, determines the purposes and means of the processing of personal data.
Data Controller: University of Piemonte Orientale
The Data Protection Officer ("DPO") of the University of Piemonte Orientale is Attorney Antonio Perrini, email: dpo@uniupo.it
RESEARCH RESULTS
Can I be informed about the results of the research?
If you wish, at the end of the study you may be informed about the results obtained.
The research results will be published in scientific journals or discussed in scientific settings in aggregated and anonymous form, without any possibility of tracing them back to your identity.
CONTACT DETAILS OF THE PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Alice Monzani:
Department: Department of Health Sciences – University of Piemonte Orientale
Institutional email: alice.monzani@med.uniupo.it
