University of Toronto / Rocket Doctor Research Study Letter of Information and Consent to Participate
Study Title:
Efficacy of an AI-supported clinical decision tool for triaging appropriateness for virtual care
Invitation to Participate
You are invited to allow your anonymized information to be included in a research study. You are being asked because you are accessing care through Rocket Doctor, a virtual health platform.
Purpose of the Research
The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether an artificial intelligence (AI)–supported triage tool can help determine when patients are best suited for virtual care versus when they should be directed to in-person care.
What Participation Involves
- If you agree, anonymized information from your Rocket Doctor visit (such as age, sex, presenting complaint, triage decision, and appointment outcome) will be included in the study database.
- You will continue to receive standard care from a physician. The AI triage tool does not replace medical decision-making; all decisions are reviewed by a healthcare professional.
- No additional time or activities are required of you beyond your normal care.
Risks and Benefits
- Risks: There are no foreseeable risks to you. Data used will be anonymized, with no personal identifiers.
- Benefits: You may not benefit directly. However, the study may improve how virtual care triage is delivered in the future.
Voluntary Participation
Your participation is voluntary. You may choose not to allow your data to be used for research without affecting your care in any way. Once anonymized, your data cannot be withdrawn because it will not be possible to identify your individual record.
Confidentiality
- Only anonymized, aggregate data will be analyzed.
- Data will be stored securely in HIPAA- and PHIPA-compliant encrypted servers, accessible only to the study team.
- Results will be published in academic journals and presented at conferences, but no information will identify you.
Compensation
There is no payment or reimbursement for participation.
Contacts
If you have questions about the study, please contact:
- Research Point of Contact Dr. William Cherniak, w.cherniak@mail.utoronto.ca
If you have questions about your rights as a participant, please contact:
Research Oversight and Compliance Office – Human Research Ethics Program
Email: ethics.review@utoronto.ca
Phone: 416-946-3273
