How research requests are reviewed

Australian Diabetes Council and Research

Australian Diabetes Council is frequently asked by Australian Universities, Hospitals and Pharmaceutical Companies, to help with their research. In most instances, the researchers want us to contact our members, to see whether they want to participate in a particular study on diabetes. Obviously, not everyone wants to participate in research, and not everyone is eligible either, so how do we help them?

Firstly, when you fill out your Australian Diabetes Council membership form, you tell us (amongst other things) how old you are, your gender, and the type of diabetes you have. You will also be asked whether you wish to participate in research or not. All of this information is stored in our membership databases.

When someone approaches us to help with their research, we first review their application. This process involves us asking researchers to send an outline of their study proposal, a copy of their human ethics approval from a recognised agency, a copy of their participant information leaflet, and the participant consent form.

This information is then sent to the Australian Diabetes Council Research Advisory Committee for approval. The committee is made up of a representative of our Medical Panel, our Board, two members of Australian Diabetes Council Staff, and a person with diabetes. They check all the documentation and overall study design to ensure that the research is of value to people with diabetes and is ethical.

If the research is approved, the Australian Diabetes Council Membership department is informed. They work out how many people are available for the study from the membership database – only those that have agreed to participate in research and meet any other requirements are considered eligible. Australian Diabetes Council then sends a letter with the information about the study to the individuals that have agreed to participate in research.

If the person that receives the request to participate in the study is happy to do so, they can then contact the researchers directly, and follow their instructions. Throughout the entire process, no personal details of any member is given to the researchers. The only way the researchers can get access to any personal information is if an individual contacts the researcher, and decides themself to give them information by participating in a study.

By following this comprehensive procedure, Australian Diabetes Council is able to ensure that your privacy and confidentiality is always maintained, and crucial research into diabetes and its management is facilitated.