Ultimo aggiornamento: March 15, 2025, midnight

details survey

Detailed information for participants taking part in the survey:

“Addressing the burden of informal family caregivers: assessing an innovative solution for polypharmacy management.”

Scarica maggiori informazioni in formato pdf.

Sections:

01. Why are we conducting this study?

Every day, thousands of informal family caregivers in Switzerland manage the medications of their loved ones, undergoing polypharmacy treatment. Unfortunately, while this situation supports the socio-healthcare system, it also places a heavy burden on caregivers themselves. This often leads to chronic stress, early symptoms of depression, and a general physical and psychological burden that affects various areas of their lives. Studies show that this condition also indirectly impacts the health of the patients, causing incorrect medication administration and a constant feeling of uncertainty. Currently, there is no universal solution that provides tangible benefits. For this reason, gathering relevant information from this survey can bring to the creation of a device that effectively supports caregivers.

02. Participant Rights

Data Protection. All responses collected through the survey will be securely stored on encrypted servers managed. Data will be treated with strict confidentiality by the research team, fully compliant with current data protection regulations. The information gathered will be used exclusively for research purposes and analyzed in anonymized form.

Withdrawal Without Consequences. Participants may withdraw from the survey at any time without any consequences to themselves or those they care for. Choosing not to complete the survey or skipping certain questions will not affect participation in any way.

Handling of Responses Upon Withdrawal. If a participant decides to withdraw, any responses already provided up to that point will still be saved and analyzed in anonymized and confidential form.

Data Management and Confidentiality. Your responses will be kept anonymous and treated as strictly confidential. Data will be securely stored on encrypted servers and analyzed in an aggregated form to ensure your privacy. No personally identifiable information will be collected or disclosed. Findings will be used solely for academic purposes and may be published in anonymized form in academic journals or shared with stakeholders.

03. Benefits and Risks

Benefits. By participating, you contribute to research that may lead to the development of improved caregiving tools and services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for caregivers and care recipients. Your input will help refine the design and implementation of technologies like Pharmabox, ensuring they address the real needs of caregivers.

    Risks and support. No significant risks are anticipated in this study. However, discussing or reflecting on caregiving challenges may evoke emotional responses, indeed relevant organizations providing support are recommended to anyone might perceive discomfort throughout. In particular:

  • For participants in the Canton of Ticino:

    the recommended organization is the Organizzazione Sociopsichiatrica Cantonale (OSC), offering the Servizi Psico-Sociali (SPS), which provide psychiatric, psychological, and social support. Participants can request a consultation by directly contacting an SPS center or through a physician.

    More information about the different organization’s locations available at OSC.

  • For participants who are temporarily unable to access in-person services in Ticino:

    Aepsy, a recognized digital platform that connects individuals with professional psychologists and psychotherapists, is suggested to find valuable support near you.

    More information at AEPSY.

04. Compensation

No compensation is provided for completing the questionnaire. However, participation allows caregivers to feel actively involved in a research project of scientific significance.

05. Results

The findings from this study will be shared through academic publications, reports, and summaries accessible to participating organizations and any stakeholders involved. To maintain full anonymity, participants interested in receiving updates about the study's results individually, are invited to send a separate email to matteo.stasolla@sui.ch, requesting for this information.

06. How to Participate?

Click the link or scan the QR code below to access the survey:

Link to the survey

Your participation is completely voluntary, and you can stop at any time. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to me.

07. Author

team_member

Who?

Matteo Stasolla

MSc from USI - Università della Svizzera Italiana

matteo.stasolla@usi.ch