Below is an information sheet about the project. Please read it so that you are aware of what the project is designed to achieve.

We would like to invite you to be part of this research project. You should only agree to take part if you want to. If you choose not to take part, there will be no disadvantages for you and your treatment.
Please read the following information carefully before you decide. The information will tell you why the research is being done and what you will be asked to do if you take part. Please ask if there is anything that is not clear or if you would like more information.

If you decide to take part, you will be asked to sign the following form to say that you agree. You can withdraw at any time from the study and without giving a reason, although once your data has been combined with that of others it will not be possible to extract it.

What is the purpose of this study?
We are interested in how effective an online education course can be for individuals with knee cap pain. Education forms a part of normal treatment, but how effective this type of treatment is on its own has not been studied.

What will happen?
1: We will use the answers given above to confirm your symptoms follow a pattern consistent with a diagnosis of knee cap pain.
2: Baseline questions, including you age, sex, email address, worst and average pain will be asked. You will then be asked to complete two questionnaires that focus on your current levels of pain, function and feeling of physical and mental well being
3: A link to the online educational content will be sent to your email address weekly for the duration of the course.
4: Over 4 weeks you will have the opportunity to complete 4 mini-courses that are all about your knee cap pain – taught using videos and short presentations. There are some very short questions that follow each course to check what you have learnt.
4: After 4 weeks you will again be asked to complete the same questionnaires and record you levels of pain.

Are there any risks in being involved in the study?
There are only very minimal risks of being involved if you follow the advice delivered. If you experience any problems following the education content you are encouraged to contact the principle investigator of the study.

How will we handle the information you provide?
From the time you complete the baseline measures, you will be assigned a participant number. All information collected after this time will not have your name on it (it will be deidentified). Deidentified data will be saved to a single encrypted storage device and a copy held within a password protected file on the principle investigators computer. Your name and unique participant number will be held in a separate password protected file on the principle investigators computer. A paper copy will be stored in a locked cabinet within the Sports Medicine department at Mile End Hospital.

What happens if there is a problem or you have a question?
If you have any questions or concerns about the manner in which the study was conducted please, in the first instance, contact the principle investigator for the study: Dr Simon Lack, s.lack@qmul.ac.uk 02082233157
Please read Queen Mary’s privacy notice for research participants for important information about your personal data and your rights in this respect http://www.arcs.qmul.ac.uk/media/arcs/policyzone/Privacy-Notice-for-Research-Participants.pdf.
If this is unsuccessful, or not appropriate, please contact the Secretary (Hazel Covill) at the Queen Mary Ethics of Research Committee, Room W104, Queens’ Building, Mile End Campus, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS or research-ethics@qmul.ac.uk. If you have any questions relating to data protection, please contact Data Protection Officer, Queens’ Building, Mile End Road, London, E1 4NS or data-protection@qmul.ac.uk