Frequently Asked Questions

About the study

Is the study nationwide / will it be nationwide? Where do I need to live to participate?

We are focussing on recruiting participants in South Yorkshire initially. We hope to expand nationally in the future.

Do I need to be asked to join the study? / Are you looking for people from specific demographics?

Anyone over 18, with a smartphone and an email address is able to take part in Smart-Health. We want to ensure we recruit a diverse group of people from different backgrounds. Whether you’re living with multiple health conditions or in good health, your data can help researchers improve the health for the next generation.

About the Smart-Health app

Why is it a Daiser app rather than Smart-Health? / Who are Daiser?

Daiser are an app development company that we’ve worked with to build our Smart-Health app. We are using the Daiser platform to bring data from your smartphone and wearable device (if you have one) into the Secure Data Service at the university. 

Do I need to use the same email address in the app as I used when I signed up?

Yes, this is because your email address is used as verification that you are who you say you are. 

Is the app owned by the university? / What data will the app owners see?

The app is owned by the University of Sheffield and all identifiable data is stored in the highest level of security in the University's Secure Data Environment. Daiser don’t ever see any identifiable information.

Why do I need to log in every week?

The app will stop collecting data once you’ve not logged into the app for 7 days. This is why we ask participants to log in each week. 

About your data

How do I withdraw?

You can withdraw from the study at any time by getting in touch with the team.

What if I want to stop sharing GPS?

You can turn off GPS sharing in your app settings on your smartphone. For help turning GPS on/off, please see these support pages for iPhone or Android. 

Does collecting my GPS data mean that I’m getting tracked?

Your GPS data is transformed into a code which gives an indication of the kind of area you’ve been in (e.g. a green space, or an area with high levels of pollution). Your ‘raw’ GPS data is never stored or shared. 

Why is my GPS data useful?

GPS information is useful as it helps researchers to understand the links between our health and our environment. For example, does the amount of time spent in highly polluted areas impact our lung or heart health? 

How do I know which data I’ve given to the study?

You will receive a copy of the consent for you signed which contains the data you’ve agreed to share. 

Can I see how my data has been used / which studies I have acted as a participant in?

Because your data is de-identified, we won’t know exactly which studies you’ve been a participant in. We will, however, share details of studies that use Smart-Health data. 

How do I stop the app from collecting my data?

The app will stop collecting data once you’ve not logged into the app for 7 days. This is why we ask participants to log in each week. If you’d like to withdraw from the study at any time, please contact us 

About your questionnaires

What happens if I don’t complete the questionnaires? / Do I need to complete all of the questionnaires?

The questionnaires tell us important information about your health and lifestyle that’s not in your NHS records. If you don’t complete these questionnaires, researchers won’t be able to find links between health and these lifestyle factors not in your NHS records. Please do complete the questionnaires when prompted to.

Why am I being asked to complete follow-up questionnaires?

Part of what makes Smart-Health unique is that your data builds a picture of lots of different things that might impact health. Data from your smartphone and wearable device (if you have one) gives information about your physical activity, heart rate and sleep. Data from the questionnaires gives information about your lifestyle and habits. Bringing these together and linking them to your health records gives research a powerful tool to understand how lifestyle, physical activity, heart rate, sleep, and might impact health.