To explore the possible impact having a child living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) has on parents’ occupational balance.

Participants needed for research into the possible impact that having a child living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) can have on parents’ occupational balance.

Title of study:

To explore the possible impact having a child living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) has on parents’ occupational balance.

What is the purpose of the study?

CRPS is a rare, chronic pain condition that can affect an individual at any age. CRPS usually affects a limb after trauma or a nerve injury, and the symptoms of CRPS include, but are not limited to, intense pain, sensitivity to touch, swelling, tremors, colour and temperature changes as well as decreased range of movement. CRPS can affect an individual for a short period of time or can become chronic, lasting longer than six months. The pain and disability that comes with CRPS often leads to individuals being left with physical, mental and/or emotional disabilities, as well as having a significant impact on the extended family.

This undergraduate study aims to explore the possible impact having a child living with CRPS has on parents’ occupational balance. To consider the impact occupational balance has on parents caring for their child living with CRPS, it is useful to define occupation. In simple terms, ‘occupation’ refers to meaningful activities people do to fill their time, for instance, shopping, working, playing sport or socialising.

What will it involve?

If you choose to participate in the study, you will be asked to take part in a one-to-one semi structured interview that will take a maximum of 45 minutes. You will be sent a copy of the questions in advance of the interview. The interview will be audio recorded and subsequently transcribed by the researcher. There will be no further need for participation once the interview is complete.

Who can participate?

The primary carer of a child has been living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) for more than twelve months.

Participation in this research project is entirely voluntary and it is up to you to decide whether or not to take part. If you decide to take part, the research project will be discussed with you and you will bed asked to sign a consent form. If you decide not to take part, you do not have to explain your reasons and it will not affect your legal rights, nor will it affect your child’s care they receive relating to their CRPS. You are free to withdraw your consent to participate in the research project at any time, without giving a reason, even after signing the consent form.

Who is conducting the study?

The research is organised by Anna Gouldstone and supervised by Mr Steve Evans, School of Healthcare Sciences at Cardiff University. Anna Gouldstone is an Occpuational Therapy student at Cardiff University. You are being invited to take part in a research study for Anna's third-year BSc (Hons) Occupational Therapy dissertation.

If you have any questions relating to this research project, you can contact the researchers during normal working hours via email: GouldstoneA1@cardiff.ac.uk