Frequently Asked Questions
Below you'll find answers to the questions we get asked most about the CIRCA DIEM study. Whether you're currently expecting a baby or are already taking part in our study, click on the sections below to find out more about what participation in our research involves.
We are expecting a baby. How can we get involved?
The CIRCA DIEM study is specific to premature babies. Only those babies born at one of our participating hospitals before 32 weeks gestation may be eligible to join this study.
As preterm birth is often unplanned and unpredictable, we can only recruit babies after they are born.
However, we are very grateful for your interest and encourage you to read more about our study. Being informed about what research may be available to you (or to your family and friends) is extremely worthwhile!
Does my baby have to take part?
No. Taking part in this study is your decision. You can withdraw from the study at any stage. Your baby will receive the care they need, and would normally receive, whether or not you take part.
What information do you hold about my baby and how do you keep it private?
Any information obtained for the CIRCA DIEM study that can identify you or your baby will remain confidential and will only be used for the purpose of this study. All information is stored securely in our database, with access only by the research team.
My baby and I have enrolled in the CIRCA DIEM Study. What can I expect now?
Your baby will now be randomly assigned to one of two study groups: control or intervention.
If your baby is assigned to the control group, they will receive the normal high standard of care according to your hospital's protocols for light and noise exposure.
If your baby is assigned to the intervention group, they will also receive routine care, while additionally being exposed to a simulated day/night-time environment. At night-time, your baby will wear little eye-masks and ear-plugs to help block out light and sounds- mimicking night-time. During the day-time, these eye masks and ear-plugs are removed and your baby will be exposed to enough light to stimulate development of their own circadian rhythm. This exposure to light is a very important part of the study – but the light levels are relatively low and known to be safe for premature babies.
A CIRCA DIEM Research Nurse will tell you what group your baby has been assigned to. They will also attach some small labels to your baby’s cot and/or incubator, as a reminder to the hospital staff that your baby is in the CIRCA DIEM study. If your baby has been assigned to the intervention group, the Research Nurse will supply an appropriately sized eye mask, and ear plugs to the nurse looking after your baby. The Nursing staff are trained in when and how to fit these to your baby. New eye masks and earplugs will be supplied on a regular basis, throughout your baby’s stay in hospital.
The CIRCA DIEM Research Nurse and hospital Nursing staff will work together to collect some information about your baby’s growth and the levels of light and sound in their environment at the following time points:
- 7 days of age
- 14 days of age
- 28 days of age
- Day 56 (if your baby was born before 28 weeks gestation)
- 36 weeks corrected postmenstrual age
My baby and I are participating in the CIRCA DIEM Study, and we have been discharged home, what happens now?
After you and your baby go home from hospital, we will continue to follow-up on their development, as well as how you are feeling. You will be sent some electronic questionnaires and will be asked to take some videos of your baby’s movements. If you need some help downloading the Baby Moves app, please watch the video below.
When your toddler is 2 years old, you will need to attend a follow-up appointment at one of our clinics. At this appointment, we will perform an assessment called the Bayley-4, which will help us to learn more about your child’s development and progress. This part of the study is extremely important, as it will help us to understand whether the eye-masks and ear-plugs make a difference to the development of preterm babies.
I still have more questions about the CIRCA DIEM Study. Who can I contact?
If you have any further questions related to the CIRCA DIEM Study or are in need of some more information, please feel free to contact our team via email at circadiem@telethonkids.org.au or by phone on 0434 302 063, during business hours.
What happens when the CIRCA DIEM Study ends?
We will publish and present the results of the CIRCA DIEM study in a variety of forums. In any publication and/or presentation, information will be provided in a way that you and your baby cannot be identified. If you would like us to, we can send you a summary of the overall project results. The summary will be of the whole group of research study participants, not your child’s individual results.