PARTICIPANT INFORMATION SHEET

1. Name of investigators and institutions:

Dr Nur Wahida Binti Zulkifli - Institute for Health Systems Research (IHSR)
Dr Izzatur Rahmi binti Mohd Ujang - IHSR
Dr Samsiah Awang - IHSR
Pn Khalidah Maruan - IHSR
Pn Normaizira Binti Hamidi - IHSR
Dr Divya Nair A/P Narayanan - IHSR
Dr Siti Fazira Edzua binti Jamaludin - IHSR
Dr Mohd Safiee Ismail - Family Health Development Division (BPKK)
Dr Noridah Mohd Salleh - BPKK
Dr Rajini A/P Sooryanarayana - BPKK
Datin Sri Dr. Asmah bt Samat - Medical Development Division (BPP)
Dr Fazilah binti Shaik Allaudin - BPP
Dr Mohd Ridzwan Shahari - BPP

2. Name of sponsor:

MOH Research Grant, NIH

3. Introduction:

You are invited to participate in this survey as you may be among the public/patients who used the healthcare
services in Malaysia during the COVID-19 pandemic. The details of the research are described in this document. It is
important that you understand why the research is being done and what it involves. Please take your time to read
through and consider this information carefully before you decide if you are willing to participate. Do clarify with the
investigator if anything is unclear or should you need more information. After you are thoroughly satisfied that you
understand this study, and wish to participate, you must agree by clicking ‘Yes’ to the statement “I have read the
Participant Information Sheet and agree to participate in this study’ in the informed consent form.

Your participation in this study is voluntary. You do not have to be in this study if you do not wish to. If you volunteer
to be in this study, you are required to answer all compulsory questions, however if you are not comfortable, you may
select the “Refuse to answer” option. You may withdraw from this study at any time. If you withdraw, any data
collected from you up till your withdrawal will still be used for the study. Your refusal to participate or withdrawal will
not affect any medical or health benefits to which you are otherwise entitled. Participation is on a voluntary basis; no
reimbursement will be given.

This study has been approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health Malaysia.

4. What is the purpose of the study?

The purpose of this study is to identify barriers to healthcare accessibility among the public/patients during the
COVID-19 pandemic. Till date, there is still a lack of local studies and data regarding barriers to healthcare
accessibility amongst the public/patients during the COVID-19 or any other infectious disease outbreak.

This research will be conducted for a duration of 2 months (September - November 2020). Using information gained
through this study, we hope to facilitate the management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malaysia.
 5. What kind of study products will I receive?

Not applicable. No study product will be given in this study. Participants will only be required to answer a
demographic survey and questions related to barriers to healthcare accessibility amongst public/patients during the
COVID-19 pandemic.

6. What will happen if I decide to take part?

You are required to read this document and understand the details of this study. Once you agree to participate, you
will be directed to the questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of two parts. The first part is a self-developed
demographic survey and the second part is about the experiences in facing barriers to healthcare services during the
pandemic.

You are expected to spend 5-10 minutes to complete all the questions. Participants will not have access to the data
or results. However, if you wish to know the final results you may email the investigators to have a copy of the results
summary.

7. When will I receive the trial product and how should it be kept?

Not applicable. No trial product will be given in this study. Instead, participants will only be required to answer the
questionnaire.

8. What are my responsibilities when taking part in this study?

It is important that you answer all of the questions honestly and completely.

9. What kind of treatment will I receive after my participation in the trial?

Not applicable. No treatment will be given in this study. Participation is on a voluntary basis; no reimbursement will be
given.

10. What are the potential risks and side effects of being in this study?

The possible risks or discomforts of the study are minimal. Participants are only required to answer the demographic
survey and experiences in facing barriers to healthcare accessibility amongst public/patients during the COVID-19
pandemic.

11. What are the benefits of being in this study?

You may not benefit directly from this research. However, we hope that your participation in the study will contribute
to our understanding of the public/patient’s experiences when facing barriers, and assessing healthcare services
during the COVID-19 pandemic.

12. What if I am injured during this study?

Not applicable.

13. Who is funding the research?

You will not be paid for participating in this study.

 14. Can the research or my participation be terminated early?

Your participation in this study is completely voluntary and you can withdraw at any time. However, all responses of
the participant up till the point that the participant decides to terminate early, will be kept by the investigator.

15. Will my medical information be kept private?

All your information obtained in this study will be kept and handled in a confidential manner, in accordance with
applicable laws and/or regulations. When publishing or presenting the study results, your identity will not be revealed
without your expressed consent. Individuals involved in this study, qualified monitors and auditors, and governmental
or regulatory authorities may inspect the study data, where appropriate and necessary.

The primary investigator will have sole access to participants information and project study materials. Any information
that could link participants to their workplace, supervisors, or managers will be removed from the study report. The
participants will be informed after this study has been published if the participants request for it.

16. Who should I call if I have questions?

If you have any questions about the study or if you want more information, please contact the study doctor, Dr. Nur
Wahida Zulkifli (wahida.zulkifli@moh.gov.my) or call 03-3362 7500 ext 8540 (8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, excluding
Public Holidays). If you have any questions about your rights as a participant in this study, please contact: The
Secretary, Medical Research & Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health Malaysia, at 03-3362 8100/8888.