What next?
What next?
About this study
There is currently limited information and understanding about sexual function in patients with pulmonary fibrosis (PF).
This study aims to learn if sexual dysfunction is common in patients with PF.
The study will gain greater understanding about patients’ concerns and feeling around their sexual function. This knowledge will help to improve care and quality of life for patients.
There are many different types of research. These studies might ask participants to test different treatments, devices, or complete questionnaires. Some studies may not require any involvement from people affected by PF, but instead look at cells in a lab environment, animal models, or utilise computer modelling.
A study involving people can be:
- Interventional – participants are given an active treatment decided by researchers. This could be a change in medication or lifestyle (e.g. exercise, diet, complementary wellbeing therapy, or symptom management). These are commonly known as clinical trials.
- Observational – participants are assessed for specific changes over time, but researchers do not alter their standard treatment or care (e.g. questionnaires to understand the impact of symptom, or patient registries that track trends in how disease affects people or the services that are provided).
There are 3 main phases of clinical trials:
- Phase 1 is the earliest stage of research, where there is often a focus on understanding if the treatment is safe or if it causes any side effects.
- Phase 2 still focuses on safety and side effects, but also tries to find out more about what is the best dose.
- Phase 3 often compares the new treatment to existing treatments or lookalike medications.
As drugs or interventions move into the different phases, the number of people taking part will increase. Not all studies will make it to the later phases, especially if the intervention is not found to be safe or effective in phase 1 and 2.
The recruitment aim is the number of people that researcher want to take part in the research study.
What is involved?
This study will involve completing one online survey, which should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. The survey will ask different questions about PF and your thoughts about sexual function.
The survey is anonymous and no identifiable information will be kept with the data collected. All data will be confidential.
After completion of the 10 minute survey, there will be an additional opportunity to volunteer to take part in a follow-up interview. Should you wish to take part, this would require people to provide their email address in order to contact you to arrange the additional interview, but only after completion of the anonymous survey.
Summary of involvement
10 minute online survey
Optional follow-up interview
Can I take part?
You may be eligible to take part if you are over the age of 18, and have a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) or interstitial lung disease (ILD).
In research studies, there are lots of different reasons why you may or may not be able to take part. These are known as inclusion and exclusion criteria (see list below). Only the research team will be able to fully determine whether you are able to take part in the study. You can withdraw at any point.
If you are not able to take part in this research study, there may be other opportunities for you to take part in different studies.
To find out more about other research opportunities visit our research finder main page.
Diagnosis of PF or ILD
Over the age of 18
Under the age of 18
People who do not have a diagnosis of PF
What difference could taking part make?
There is currently a lack of research that has been carried out in this area, meaning that little is known about sexual function in people diagnosed with PF. This study will enable greater understanding of the impact that a diagnosis of PF has on their sexual function, how this makes people feel, and highlight any potential concerns.
Where does the study take place?
Study locations
Worldwide
How to take part
Further information
This page is a summary which provides information about an opportunity to participate in research. More detailed information about the study can be found via the following the links and through contacting the research team.
If you have any questions about this research study, please speak to your medical team.
pfsurvey@ucalgary.caThis study is supported by
APF does not endorse or recommend any specific study. All responsibility for the study remains with the sponsors and investigators.
Every effort is made to keep these details up to date. If you are aware of any inaccuracies, please email research@actionpf.org