Research team contacts

Principal Researcher:

Associate Professor Sven Tuzovic, School of Advertising, Marketing & PR, QUT

Associate Researcher:

Professor Amanda Beatson, School of Advertising, Marketing & PR, QUT

Research Student:

Robin Wilmore, School of Advertising, Marketing & PR, QUT

What is the purpose of this research?

The purpose of this project is to investigate the experiences of people with immunodeficiencies throughout different stages of the consumer decision-making process when accessing services. This project will help develop an understanding of the challenges faced by at-risk individuals in service settings and how they can be addressed to improve wellbeing outcomes.

Are you looking for people like me?

The research team is inviting people who:

  • are aged 18 or over
  • are living with an immune deficiency
  • are an immediate family member or household member of someone living with an immune deficiency
  • live in Australia
  • are either willing to participate in-person at QUT Garden's Point or Kelvin Grove campuses, or able to participate via Zoom on a device with a working camera, microphone, and stable internet connection.

What will you ask me to do?

Your participation will involve an audio-recorded interview that will take about 60 minutes. This interview will be conducted either in person at QUT Garden's Point or Kelvin Grove campuses (whichever suits you), or remotely via Zoom.

For participants who are living with an immune deficiency, questions will include, for example:

  • How does your immune health condition impact your life on a day-to-day basis?
  • How does your immune health influence the types of services you visit, and how often you visit them?
  • How do you balance immune health risks against your other priorities when you’re visiting a public venue?

For participants who are family or household members of a person with an immune deficiency, questions will include, for example:

  • How have your relative’s experiences with their immune health influenced your awareness of immune health risks?
  • Do you feel there is adequate support for you and your relative in managing their immune health condition?
  • How much are immune health risks a concern for you when deciding to visit public venues?

You will also be asked to fill out a demographic information sheet to indicate your gender, age group, etc. All items on this sheet are optional. This information helps us to determine the representativeness of our study.

Are there any risks for me in taking part?

There is a risk that topics discussed in the interview could be upsetting or triggering for some participants. Participants are always welcome to refuse questions they do not wish to answer, or to withdraw from the interview at any point and for any reason without penalty.

Are there any benefits for me in taking part?

It is expected that this research project will not benefit you directly. The outcomes of the research are intended to advance understanding of consumer wellbeing and decision-making processes, and to provide direction for potential future initiatives to uplift people with immune deficiencies, and public health measures, in service environments.

Will I be compensated for my time?

The research team is offering a $20 Myer gift card at the conclusion of your interview to compensate you for your  contribution. If for any reason you cannot complete the interview, you will still receive the $20 Myer gift card. If participating in the study remotely, a postal address will be required to deliver the gift card

I am interested - what should I do next?

If you are interested in participating in this study or would like further information, contact Robin Wilmore via email robin.wilmore@hdr.qut.edu.au.

You will be provided with further information about the study so that you may make an informed decision about whether you would like to participate.

QUT Ethics Number: 9503