Offermann, Julia
Wilkowska, Wiktoria
Laurentius, Thea
Bollheimer, L. Cornelius
Ziefle, Martina
Funding for this research was provided by:
Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (6SV7955, 6SV7955, 6SV7955)
RWTH Aachen University
Article History
Received: 26 May 2023
Accepted: 17 December 2023
First Online: 3 January 2024
Declarations
:
: Out study was conducted in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations in the Declaration of Helsinki.For the present approach, we did not seek ethical approval from the ethics committee, because our study falls in the category where no such approval was required at this time at RWTH Aachen university in Germany. This category refers to all non-invasive and non-clinical research on human subjects (i.e., questionnaires and surveys), where the risks are reasonably low, and the participants are transparently informed about the purpose, aim, and risks of the current study. Before starting the survey, the participants received information about the importance to understand their free opinions and attitudes on aging and using assistive technologies in care and we stated that we were very happy if they would share their opinions with us. In addition, we also informed the participants about the main purpose, length of time of the survey, and our department to provide some background for the investigation. Regarding privacy and data security, we ensured a high standard of privacy protection and letting the participants know that responses cannot be tracked back to them personally. The participants were informed that the submission of demographic data was optional, and that – on request – we would delete their personal data. According to these explanations, the participants reported to feel well informed about the purpose and the aim of the study having the freedom to quit their participation at any time. Further, the participants reported to understand that high standards of privacy protection were applied, and they deliberately accepted participation. From comments at the end of the survey, we have learned that the participants were interested in the topic of aging and using assistive technology in care.Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.
: Not applicable.
: The authors declare no competing interests.