What is the Project About?

This focus group is part of a larger study that aims to develop an art-based mood monitoring method (MMMET) to help individuals living with persistent problematic mood swings, particularly bipolar disorder, better manage their symptoms and mood. Monitoring mood fluctuation over time is key to maintaining a stable mood and improving quality of life. However, most people find that the monitoring methods available today do not meet their needs, especially in the long term.

This project will involve you as an individual who has lived experience of bipolar disorder or problematic mood swings joining a 90-minute focus group in 2024. Our strategy involves collaborating with individuals with lived experience to co-design the first prototype of the MMMET, which will then be tested in a pilot study. During the focus group, we will ask for your feedback on the methods and tools, such as the mood assessment measures we will use. By doing this, we will develop the MMMET as a tool that is relevant and meet the needs of the people it is designed to help directly.
Who is doing the research?

This research will be conducted by Catarina Castela, under the supervision of Professor Warren Mansell and Dr Jason Sharbanee. The results of this research project will be used by Catarina Castela to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy at Curtin University and is funded by the University.
There will be no costs to you and you will be paid AUD$25 for participating in this project.
Why am I being asked to take part and what will I have to do?

You have been asked to take part because you are an individual with lived experience of bipolar disorder or problematic mood swings. During the focus group, we will ask for your feedback on, for example, the art materials we plan to use to monitor mood, the measures we will use to assess mood, how likely you would be to use this method and if you have any suggestions on how we can improve.

The study will take place at a mutually convenient location: Curtin University campus. We will make a digital audio recording so we can concentrate on what you have to say and not distract ourselves with taking notes. After the focus group we will make a full written copy of the recording.
Are there any benefits to being in the research project?

There may be no direct benefit to you by participating in this research. However, we hope that our research can help improve the lives of those living with bipolar disorder or problematic mood swings and broaden our knowledge of mood disorders.
Are there any risks, side-effects, discomforts or inconveniences from being in the research project?

There are no foreseeable risks from this research project. We have been careful to make sure that the questions in the focus group do not cause you any distress. You are free to decline to answer any of the questions, ask for a break, or leave at any time and you do not have to give us reason. In the unlikely event the discussion causes concern, we have included a list of free services for support at the end of this information sheet, or you may also choose to have a research team member call you within 24 hours to check you have the support you need.
Who will have access to my information?

The information collected in this research will be re-identifiable (coded). This means that we will collect data that can identify you, but will then remove identifying information on any data or sample and replace it with a code when we analyse the data. Only the research team have access to the code to match your name if it is necessary to do so. Any information we collect will be treated as confidential and used only in this project unless otherwise specified. The following people will have access to the information we collect in this research: the research team (Professor Warren Mansell, Dr Jason Sharbanee and Catarina Castela) and, in the event of an audit or investigation, staff from the Curtin University Office of Research and Development.

We will make a digital audio recording of the focus so we can concentrate on what you have to say and not distract ourselves with taking notes. This will be kept under secure conditions at Curtin University for 7 years after the research is published and then it will be destroyed. The results of this research may be presented at conferences or published in professional journals. You will not be identified in any results that are published or presented.

Whilst all care will be taken to maintain privacy and confidentiality of any information shared at a focus group or group discussion, you should be aware that you may feel embarrassed or upset if one of the group members repeats things said in a confidential group meeting.
Will you tell me the results of the research?

A summary of our key research findings will be prepared by December 2024 and can be emailed to you on request. Our email addresses can be found at the end of this information sheet.
Do I have to take part in the research project?

Taking part in a research project is voluntary. It is your choice to take part or not. You do not have to agree if you do not want to. If you decide to take part and then change your mind, that is okay, you can withdraw from the project at any time and do not need to give us a reason.
What happens next and who can I contact about the research?

If you have any questions or would like any additional information about this project, please contact Catarina Castela ([email protected]) or Warren Mansell ([email protected]).
If you decide to take part in this research we will ask you to sign the consent form. By signing it is telling us that you understand what you have read and what has been discussed. Signing the consent indicates that you agree to be in the research project and have your health information used as described. Please take your time and ask any questions you have before you decide what to do. You will be given a copy of this information and the consent form to keep.
Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) has approved this study (HREC number HRE2024-0461). Should you wish to discuss the study with someone not directly involved, in particular, any matters concerning the conduct of the study or your rights as a participant, or you wish to make a confidential complaint, you may contact the Ethics Officer on (08) 9266 9223 or the Manager, Research Integrity on (08) 9266 7093 or email [email protected].
ACCESS INFORMATION ABOUT FREE SERVICES FOR SUPPORT:

In Australia: call Lifeline ON 13 11 14 for immediate support (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
Bipolar Australia: bipolaraustralia.org.au
Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au
Black Dog Institute: blackdoginstitute.org.au
MindSpot Clinic: mindspot.org.au