Frequently Asked Questions

Question Mark

How do I sign up to for this study?

You can sign up for this study several by calling the Study Recruiter, Dr. Kelley Jackson, 954-691-3977, or our Study Coordinator, Judyta Kociolek, at 561-297-4963 or send an email to drivingproject@health.fau.edu

 

Who is eligible to participate in this study?

People who are age 65 years and older and Speak English, Spanish or Creole, and lease or own vehicle, currently drive, hold a valid driver’s license, and are able to meet with the team every 3 months for 3 years

 

What should I expect if I decide to participate?

People who are eligible to participate will meet/speak with the the Study Recruiter and/or the Study Coordinator to discuss what participation in the study involves and sign a consent if they agree to participate. The study will employ an in-vehicle sensing system to detect cognitive changes in older adults (e.g., memory, judgement). Study data comes from two sources: interview and testing of the participant and downloading of the data from the sensors installed in the participant’s vehicle (a passenger car or pick-up truck). 

 

Are there any risks to volunteering?

The risks involved in participation are no more than the everyday risk of driving. Participants may experience some fatigue or frustration during the cognitive testing and may want to take a break or two. The sensor package to be installed in the participant’s car is designed to be unobtrusive so that it does not interfere with driver concentration. Neither visual nor audible signals will be produced by the sensors.

 

Why should I participate in this study? Will I get paid?

Participants will receive a $25 gift card (Publix OR Walmart) at the completion of each visit and $50 at their final visit, a total of $350 in gift cards. Upon request, will also receive yearly feedback on your general cognitive screening test. Plus, you will be helping to determine whether this kind of system is an effective tool for detecting early changes in cognition.

 

How long is this study?

The study is three years with a visit every 3-months, for a total of 13 visits.

 

Where will this study take place?

The study will take place on either FAU's Boca Campus or FAU's Davie Campus, so participants can choose the most convenient site.  *For groups of 4 or more, off-site accommodations may be considered by the Research Team.

 

What are these car sensors all about?

The sensor package includes a GPS, on-board diagnostics and unobtrusive cameras. There is no audio recording, the sensors do not record anything said in the car.

 

How long will my quarterly visits with the research team last?

Each visit should take between one to two and a half hours. We have water and snacks available.

 

Who will be able to see the driving information you gather?

All personal or identifiable data will be kept on secured computers and servers and stored in accordance with Florida Atlantic University data security policy. Only study team members and those approved by the FAU IRB will have access to the data. This study has received ethical approval from the Florida Atlantic University institutional review board (IRB).

 

Will joining the study affect my car insurance or driving license?

No. The study has secured a Certificate of Confidentiality from the National Institute of Health that protects the privacy of participants and prohibits disclosure of research data to anyone (law enforcement, insurance companies, department of motor vehicle) not connected to the research study. The recorded data and in-person testing data cannot be disclosed unless the participant authorizes this disclosure.

 

What happens if I buy or lease a new car during the study period?

If you buy or lease a new car during the study period we will ask you to bring your car in so we can remove the sensors. We will ask you to bring your new car in so we can re-install the sensors in your new car.

 

Can someone else drive my car?

Yes. The sensors will be programed to activate only when you are driving.

 

Can I say ‘no’ or leave the study if I want to?

Yes. Your participation is voluntary, and you can say ‘no’ to any procedure or leave the study at any time. If you do, we will ask for you to please return the sensors.

 

Who can I contact if I have more questions about the study?

Call Dr. Kelley Jackson at 954-691-3977, Judyta Kociolek at 561-297-4963 or email drivingproject@health.fau.edu