Dear Families, Friends & Representatives,
I hope you are all well.
As you may have heard, Whiddon is collaborating on a research project to evaluate whether residents achieve better health outcomes if their medications are specifically prescribed, based on their individual genetics. Researchers study genes to understand why some people respond to a medication, while others do not, or why some people experience a side effect while others do not. We decided to join this study as we are committed to continuously improving the clinical care of our residents.
We discuss this with each resident and are contacting you as we have been alerted that you also need to provide consent if you agree to the resident you represent, joining the study. Participating residents have their cheek swabbed by one of our team to collect a sample that is sent for genetic testing, and an individual report with recommendations will go to the resident’s pharmacist and GP, who may use it to customise medication type and dose. Our aim is to minimise unwanted medication side effects and improve aged care residents’ quality of life.
Please follow the links below to find:
- A Participant Information Sheet (PIS) (link here) which contains detailed information about the research project. This information is for you to keep.
- A Participant Consent Form (PCF). (link here) If you agree to the resident you represent joining the study, this document needs to be filled in and signed. You may choose whichever option is most convenient for you to return it:
i. Sign electronically using Adobe Acrobat Reader (fill and sign tool) and then email back to e.wehbe@whiddon.com.au.
ii. Print, fill/sign and scan the document and then email it back to e.wehbe@whiddon.com.au.
iii. Print and sign, then bring the hard copy with you during your
next visit.
iv. Sign a printed copy available at our office when you come in.
v. Drop off a signed copy at the admin office during regular hours.
Thank you for your time and cooperation.
Kind regards,
Alaya
Residential Services Manager