Culturally Informed Mental Health Practices for Patients of South Asian Origin (Research Stream)

Dr. Gurvir Rai, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa

Dr. Kassam Azaad, Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa  

Dr. Eric Jarvis, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University

Consent Information

I am invited to participate in a research study conducted by physicians at the University of Ottawa in collaboration with the South Asian Canadian Mental Health Foundation. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the feasibility of eLearning modules aimed at improving healthcare professionals’ ability to provide culturally sensitive care to patients of South Asian origin. My participation will consist of completing an eLearning module, as well as a questionnaire before, immediately after, and three months after the module (sent via email). The anticipated completion time is 20 minutes for the module and 5 minutes for each questionnaire. The questionnaires will assess my knowledge and beliefs towards providing culturally sensitive mental health care to patients of South Asian background.

Risks & Benefits: My participation in this study will involve reflecting on cultural sensitivity, which may cause mild discomfort. My participation will contribute to the improvement of cultural sensitivity in medical education. I will not receive financial compensation. I will receive a certificate upon completing the module and questionnaires, which can be submitted by licensed members of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada for Maintenance of Certification credits. 

Confidentiality & Privacy: All information I share will remain strictly confidential. All data collected will be anonymized and used solely for the purpose of evaluating the module. Data will be stored securely on a password-protected server for five years, before deletion. I am under no obligation to participate and may withdraw from the study or request removal of my data at any time without facing negative consequences. 

Contact Information: If I have any questions about the study, I may contact Dr. Gurvir Rai at grai066@uottawa.ca. If I have questions regarding the ethical conduct of this study, I may contact the Office of Research Ethics and Integrity via email at ethics@uottawa.ca or by phone at 613-562-5800 ext. 5387. 

By continuing, I provide consent to participate in this study.