AEPCC is supporting the development of the Choices Study, a clinical trial aiming to determine the difference shared decision-making about medication has on long-term outcomes for people with early psychosis.
“Many people who are prescribed anti-psychotic medications are provided with limited information about their options and even less about how to manage side-effects. Our trial wants to determine whether empowering people to make decisions about their medication alongside their psychiatrist has a positive impact on their long-term outcomes.”
Professor Kelly Allott, Principal Investigator
We are recruiting for an Advisory Group to support the development and design of the clinical trial before applying for funding. This is a unique opportunity, given that consultation usually happens after a clinical trial is designed and funded due to the cost of consultation. In this case, AEPCC is funding consultation at an early stage in the trial’s development.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking people under 30 who have experienced psychosis and their carers, along with clinicians working in the early psychosis sector, for an advisory group. You need to be based in Australia and available to attend online meetings, including outside business hours. You do not require previous knowledge or understanding of clinical trials or research.
What is involved?
- Attend regular and ad hoc online meetings to discuss the clinical trial from August to December 2024, with the option of staying involved over a longer period.
- Provide advice and feedback from a lived experience or clinical perspective.
- Review written materials about the proposal, e.g., funding proposals.
- Review advice from external parties on how to improve the clinical trial.
- Read pre-meeting information and materials (where relevant) – these will be sent out a week in advance.
- You will receive $30/hr for your time and input.
During the meetings, there might be times when you feel it would be useful to share your personal lived and or living experience of mental ill health. This is entirely up to you, and there is no pressure for you to disclose. Anything shared with the team will not be shared outside of the group without your consent.
Why participate?
- Learn how clinical trials are conducted and the funding process.
- Enrich the quality of a clinical trial by providing your lived experience and/or clinical expertise.
- Get to know new people with shared experience and work towards improving early psychosis care.
- You will be reimbursed for your time, including any agreed work outside of meetings.
- Upon request, we can provide you with a letter of reference that outlines your input. Should the trial be successful for funding, you will be acknowledged in the way that you prefer, or you can remain anonymous.
I am part of the lived experience community; what support will I have access to?
- A member of the project team will work with you to develop a well-being plan for your involvement in the group. The plan will be based on your individual needs and outline anything we need to be aware of to support your safety and well-being, including who you and the team can contact for any additional support.
- As the clinical trial may involve discussion of sensitive and personal topics, a confidentiality agreement will outline your rights and responsibilities in terms of your privacy and that of others involved in this work.
- If you haven’t participated in research before, the project team will help you develop an understanding of the research process so that you can advise on the design of the clinical trial.
- Before, during and after the meetings, a team member will be available to answer any questions you have and debrief with you if needed.
How can I get involved? Questions?
- Indicate your interest in participating in the below form before 23 August 2024.
- Places are limited, so we encourage you to submit your interest early.
- Email [email protected] if you have any questions, or for assistance to complete the form.
