Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the study?
Healthcare managers need to make sure that they allocate resources across dental services to reflect the needs and preferences of the population. One way of doing this is to ask people about their willingness to pay for a variety of different services or treatments. This research aims to test which ‘willingness-to-pay’ questions work best for respondents and provide the best method to inform decision makers.
Why have I been invited?
Qa Research, on behalf of Newcastle University, has randomly selected areas to undertake door-to-door surveys. Your address has therefore been selected at random, as is often the case with this type of study.
Do I have to take part?
No, it is up to you to decide. Even if you do agree to take part, you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, without giving a reason.
What does the study involve?
The study involves 4 surveys over 2 years. This first survey will be conducted at your home today and takes 40-60 minutes to complete. You will receive a cash payment of £10 for your time. The remaining 3 surveys can be conducted at your home during the next 2 years at a time convenient to you or you may prefer to complete them on-line - please feel free to speak to your fieldworker to discuss this option.
Due to the follow-up nature of the surveys, we ask that you only participate in Survey 1 if you anticipate being able to complete Surveys 2, 3 and 4 at some point over the next two years. A further cash payment of £15 will be paid on completion of survey 4 as a thank you for your time.
What type of questions will I be asked?
You will be asked to provide basic demographic information such as your age, gender and working status. There will also be questions related to the way in which you use dental services, and how you would normally expect to pay for them. There will then be a willingness to pay exercise, in which a series of eight services are described and for each you are asked to indicate the maximum amount you would be willing to pay for that service.
Will my answers be kept confidential?
Yes. All information which is collected about you will be kept confidential, and any information about you which leaves the University will have your name and identifiable details removed. The information will be stored securely at Newcastle University and ‘Qa Research’. Anonymised data will be kept indefinitely. Only the researchers and the authorities who regulate research will have access to it.
What happens to the results of the research study?
The results of the study will be presented at an event for NHS commissioners as well as at academic conferences. In addition, the results will be published in scientific journals. You will not be identified in any results. A summary of the results will be available to you after the study on request.