Informed Consent Document

Project Title: Patient Perceptions in NFT-Based EHRs: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Researcher: Travis Wiley

Organization: American College of Education

Email: travis.wiley7388@my.ace.edu

Telephone: 812-264-9701

Date of IRB Approval: March 24, 2026

This research study has been approved by the American College of Education Institutional Review Board (IRB). A copy of the approval letter will be provided upon request.

Chair's Name: Dr. Margaret Aker

Organization and Position: American College of Education, Dissertation Chair

Email: margie.aker@ace.edu

I am Travis Wiley, a doctoral candidate at the American College of Education. I am conducting research under the guidance of my dissertation chair, Dr. Margaret Aker. I will provide information about this study and invite you to participate. You are encouraged to ask questions at any time before, during, or after participation.

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to explore adult patients' lived experiences with nonfungible, token-based electronic health records and their perceptions of ownership and trust in these systems in the United States. This study aims to understand how participants perceive ownership, control, and trust in NFT-based EHRs. Your participation will provide valuable insights into the feasibility and effectiveness of NFT-based EHRs in healthcare.

This study will employ a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological research design. It will involve an open-ended interview to explore participants' lived experiences with NFT-based EHRs. Data collection will occur via Zoom and online questionnaires.

You are invited to participate in this research because of your experience or interest in NFTs and blockchain-based EHRs. To participate, you must:

• Be 18 years of age or older

• Reside in the United States

• Have experience with or an interest in using NFTs and blockchain technology for managing health records

• Be currently using or open to using a digital health platform

Individuals who do not meet these criteria, including healthcare professionals, IT developers, and policymakers, are not eligible.

Participation in this study is completely voluntary. You may withdraw at any time without penalty by notifying the researcher via email.

If you agree to participate, you will be asked to complete an optional online questionnaire and participate in an open-ended interview. The open-ended interview will take approximately 30-45 minutes, and all responses will be recorded with your consent for transcription and analysis.

There are no foreseeable risks associated with this study. You may choose to skip any question or withdraw at any time.

While there is no direct financial benefit, your participation will contribute to research on the adoption of blockchain-based health records and data security, helping to inform future digital healthcare policies. You have the opportunity to contribute to the body of knowledge regarding a new and emerging technology.

All information collected in this study will remain confidential. Identifiable information will not be shared or published. Data will be stored securely on an encrypted, password-protected system and will be permanently deleted after three years per NIH guidelines.

At the conclusion of the study, results may be published in academic journals or presented at conferences. Participants may request a summary of the findings.

If you have any questions, please contact:

Researcher: Travis Wiley – travis.wiley7388@my.ace.edu

Chair's Name: Dr. Margaret Aker – margie.aker@ace.edu

This study has been reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the American College of Education. If you have concerns, you may contact IRB@ace.edu.

I have read and understood the information provided above. I voluntarily agree to participate in this study.