FAQs

1.  Who are we?
  		• We are a project group in the area of clinical psychology at the Ruhr-University Bochum, who set ourselves the goal of taking new paths in the assessment and treatment of chronic pain.
    2.  What do we do?
     
  		• We developed a diary application to assess daily and weekly differences in pain and comfort levels.
    3.  What are the objectives of the study?
     
  		• With our project, we hope to develop new treatment options to help people with chronic pain in the long term.
     
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    		•  The diary-like concept serves as a basis for future research.
    4.  How can I participate?
     
  		• You can participate in the study by downloading and installing the app from the google playstore. Thus, you need an Android smartphone to participate. You can find the app via the following link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=p.diaryapp
     5.  Who can I contact concerning questions or technical problems?
     
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    		•  If there should appear any problems concerning the app or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at painstudy@ruhr-uni-bochum.de or via Facebook at facebook.com/PainStudyRUB.
    6.  Is the participation in the study compensated by any means?
     
  		• Participation in the study is not compensated. Since the quality of the data is very important to us, we ask the participants to answer the questions truthfully and to the best of their ability. A compensation agreement entails the risk that questions will only be answered for the purpose of being "paid". We believe that this might have a negative impact on the quality of responses. With your participation, you contribute significantly to the gain of knowledge about possible pain treatment methods. The results of the investigation will be publicly made available on this website after the end of the surveys.
    7.  What happens to my data?
     
  		• Your data will be collected anonymously and will be statistically evaluated within the means of the study described above.
    8.  My symptoms got worse. I need help now. Who can I contact?
     
  		• Self-help groups
     
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    		•  Medical consultations
     
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    		•  If your symptoms get worse unexpectedly during the study, please contact us (painstudy@rub.de) or the project management (piotr.gruszka@rub.de). We will provide you with contacts if necessary.
    9.  Why should I participate?
     
  		• Chronic pain such as back pain or a headache are among the most common causes of disability and therefore are a highly relevant issue in our society. The treatment of these complaints is often difficult or neglected. By participating in our study, you will be able to contribute to the research of pain, possible new treatment options and help us.