Why Your Participation Matters
Your involvement in the AFTERHERNIA Project is crucial. By sharing your experiences and feedback, you help us understand the long-term impacts of hernia surgeries from the patient's perspective. This information is invaluable for improving surgical techniques, enhancing patient care, and shaping future healthcare policies.
How to Participate
Participation in the AFTERHERNIA Project is simple and straightforward:
- Eligibility: You are eligible to participate if you have undergone a groin or ventral hernia repair in Denmark between January 1, 2014, and March 31, 2024, and are 18 years or older.
- Invitation: Eligible participants will receive an invitation via Digital Post. This secure electronic communication platform ensures that your personal information is protected.
- Questionnaire: The invitation will include a personalized link to an online questionnaire. This link is unique to you, ensuring confidentiality and allowing you to complete the questionnaire at your convenience.
Completing the Questionnaire
- Abdominal Hernia-Q (AHQ) and Groin Hernia-Q (GHQ): Depending on the type of hernia repair you underwent, you will receive either the AHQ or GHQ questionnaire. These have been adapted and validated for the Danish population to accurately capture your postoperative experiences.
- Ease of Use: The questionnaires are designed to be user-friendly. Should you encounter any difficulties, assistance is available to help you complete the questionnaire.
- Follow-up: If you do not respond to the initial electronic invitation, you may receive follow-up phone calls to ensure you received the invitation and to offer any help needed in completing the questionnaire.
Privacy and Confidentiality
- Data Protection: Your privacy is our priority. All collected data is pseudonymized to protect your identity and is handled in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Secure Storage: Your responses will be stored securely and only accessible to authorized personnel involved in the AFTERHERNIA Project.
- Informed Consent: Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time. Informed consent will be obtained before you start the questionnaire.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the AFTERHERNIA Project? The AFTERHERNIA Project aims to understand the long-term impacts of hernia surgeries by collecting patient-reported outcomes, enhancing our understanding of patient experiences and satisfaction.
Why was I chosen to participate? You were selected because you have undergone hernia repair surgery within the specified period, and your insights are valuable for our research.
How will my information be used? Your responses will be combined with clinical data to assess the effectiveness of hernia surgeries from a patient-centered perspective, helping to improve future treatments and care practices.
Will my identity be protected? Yes, all data is pseudonymized and stored securely to ensure your privacy and confidentiality.
Can I withdraw from the study? Yes, participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any point without any consequences.