Research Center: Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Location: This is a U.S.-based study, specifically for participants in Western North Carolina.
Lead Researchers: Mark A. Hall, J.D. and Jennifer Richmond, Ph.D
IRB: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Wake Forest University School of Medicine Institutional Review Board (IRB00123115)

Have you or a family member experienced a disruption in healthcare? Did your healthcare provider suddenly become unavailable? Many adults in Western North Carolina have faced barriers to getting the care they need.

This study looks at disruptions in healthcare and what can be done to fix them. The findings will help create policies to keep patients from losing access to care in the future.

Interested? Take our questionnaire and see if you qualify.

• Participants will have the opportunity to share their experiences and be heard, confidentially.
• Participants will help researchers understand and address disruptions in medical care.
• Participants will receive $60 for their time and insights.
• Participants will contribute to research that may improve healthcare policies in the future.
• Participants will play a role in shaping solutions that could benefit others facing similar challenges.

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential and will not be shared without your permission, except as required by law.

• Men and women aged 18 and above
• Must currently or previously live(d) in western North Carolina and have resided in the area for at least one year
• Must have experienced a disruption in medical care for yourself or a family member within the past six years (since January 2019)
• Must be able to participate in an interview lasting up to 60 minutes. This interview may be done via telephone or an online service like Zoom. Participants may also request an in-person interview if they prefer.

The study team will explain the research in its entirety, but some details are:

• This study is only recruiting U.S. participants, not international participants.
• Chosen participants will be asked to take part in a 60-minute interview about their experiences with healthcare.
• Participants will be asked to consent to audio recording for note-taking purposes, with the option to stop or withdraw consent at any time.
• Some participants will be asked to participate in a second, more in-depth interview of up to 90 minutes, if needed.

Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Wake Forest University School of Medicine prepares the next generation of healthcare leaders through cutting-edge education and training programs; advances discovery and innovation through a research portfolio focused on the needs of patients and communities; and provides care for patients to improve health, elevate hope, and advance healing for all. The School of Medicine is also one of the most selective medical training programs in the nation and encompasses multiple programs, including MD, PA Studies, DNP, and biomedical graduate programs.