The NCMS is sending the following information on behalf of East Carolina University (ECU)’s College of Allied Health Sciences, which is conducting a survey to better understand the need for curricula and continuing education opportunities for the AgrAbility Project, which enables high quality lifestyle for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities.
Dear North Carolina Medical Society:
Did you know that in 2009, the National Safety Council reported agriculture as the most hazardous occupation in the United States? It is estimated that there are between one and two million farmers and ranchers living with disabilities across the country. In North Carolina alone, farming-related injuries and illnesses are the fourth leading cause of death, exceeded only by heart disease, stroke, and cancer. As health professionals, it is important that we understand the unique needs of farmers and agricultural workers. With this in mind, the vision of the North Carolina AgrAbility Project is to enable a high quality lifestyle for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities.
The following survey is being conducted by Dr. Mary Hildebrand, assistant professor, and Sarah Timmons, graduate assistant of the Occupational Therapy department at ECU. The purpose of the survey is to better understand the need for curricula and continuing education opportunities to provide AgrAbility services in North Carolina. This research will help health professionals to accommodate the needs of clients working in agricultural settings. The survey will take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and you will not be asked to take part in any additional research for this particular study.
Because this research is overseen by the ECU Institutional Review Board, some of its members or staff may need to review my research data. However, the information you provide will not be linked to you in any way. Therefore, your responses cannot be traced back to you by anyone, including me.
If you have questions about your rights as someone taking part in this research, you may call the UMCIRB Office at 252-744-2914 (days, 8:00 am-5:00 pm). If you would like to report a complaint or concern about this research study, you may call the Director of UMCIRB Office, at 252-744-1971.
You do not have to take part in this research, and you can stop at any time. If you decide you are willing to take part in this study, continue on by clicking on the link to the survey:
https://ecu.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_cFRd8gDek5JAuH2
Sincerely,
Mary Hildebrand, OTD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Principle Investigator
Sarah Timmons, MSOT/S, Graduate Assistant
East Carolina University
College of Allied Health Sciences
Department of Occupational Therapy