Information About Taking Part in the Hope PCOS Thinking Aloud Study

You are invited to help with research about the Hope PCOS online support programme, led by Dr Carol Percy at Coventry University. Here’s what you need to know.

What is this study about?

• The study wants to know what you think about the Hope PCOS online support programme for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• You’ll look at some of the programme’s materials (like text, pictures, and videos) and say what you like, what you don’t, and how it could be better.

Who can take part?

• You can take part if you have been told by a GP or hospital doctor that you have PCOS.
• You must be from one of these backgrounds: Asian (including Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, or any other Asian background), Black/African/Caribbean, Arab, or Mixed ethnicity.

What will you be asked to do?

• You will join an online meeting (using Microsoft Teams) with a researcher.
• You’ll watch a short video, then look at Hope PCOS materials and talk about your thoughts as you go through them.
• The researcher will record your screen and your voice during the session.
• The session will last about 45 to 90 minutes.
• As a thank you, you will get a £50 Amazon gift voucher after you finish.

Do you have to take part?

• No, it’s your choice. If you decide not to take part, that’s completely fine.
• If you do take part, you can stop at any time, even during the session, and you don’t have to give a reason.
• You can also ask for your data to be removed from the study up until 30th September 2025. This won’t affect your access to the Hope PCOS programme or any future projects

Are there any risks?

• Looking at information about PCOS and mental wellbeing might make you think more about your condition or any worries you have.
• If you feel upset you can contact your GP, Samaritans or MIND.
• If you have questions, you can contact the researcher for more information.

How will your information be kept private?

• Everything you say will be kept confidential.
• Your name will not be used in any reports. Instead, you’ll be given a participant number.
• The recordings will be checked and then deleted as soon as possible. Only anonymous quotes, screenshots or feedback may be used in reports. No one will know they came from you.
• Your data will be handled safely and in line with Coventry University’s policies.
• For full details about how your personal data is used and protected, you can read Coventry University’s Research Privacy Notice here: https://www.coventry.ac.uk/gdpr-and-data-protection/privacy-notices/

What happens to the results?

• Your feedback will help improve the Hope PCOS programme.
• The results may be published in articles, reports, or presentations, but your name or image will never be used.

What should you do next?

• If you want to take part, visit the study website at tinyurl.com/Hope-PCOS-Think-Aloud - fill in the online consent form and provide your contact details.https://coventryhls.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a91Fg6RzBYmtFWehttps://coventryhls.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_a91Fg6RzBYmtFWefill in the online consent form.
• If you have questions or concerns, contact Dr Carol Percy at c.percy@coventry.ac.uk
• If you want to make a complaint, contact the University’s Research Ethics and Integrity Manager (reference P185696) at ethics.uni@coventry.ac.uk

Remember:
Taking part is your choice. You can stop at any time, and your information will be kept private.

Thank you for thinking about helping with this research.

Information on PCOS

NHS: Provides reliable information, specialist clinics, and GP referrals for PCOS.
Website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/polycystic-ovary-syndrome-pcos/

Verity: The UK PCOS Charity: Offers information packs, newsletters, conferences, local support groups, and an active online community for people with PCOS.
Website: https://www.verity-pcos.org.uk

Support for you

If you do experience any distress from taking part in the study please contact your GP, or Samaritans on 116 123 (24 hour telephone helpline) or jo@samaritans.org (you will receive an email response within 24 hours), or MIND, mental health charity, www.mind.org.uk: Infoline 0300 123 3393.