This information and consent form should be read in conjunction with our Privacy Policy.

Registration to the online meal support group: By registering for the CFIH Online Meal Support Group you agree to be personally bound by these terms and conditions. By signing this document, you agree that you are at least 18 years old or have a parent/guardian signing on your behalf. These terms apply to services delivered throughout the provision of the online meal support groups. If you breach these terms and conditions, you acknowledge that we may immediately suspend or terminate any or all remaining services within the program, without refund, and take appropriate legal action (if we choose) against you alone.

Service provided: CFIH provides online meal support groups throughout the months of April and May 2020, in response to the COVID19 crisis and by popular demand. The numbers of sessions you wish to participate is left open to you and registration is to be done via the CFIH website or through our Client Care Team.

Conditions for participation: In order to be approved into the online meal support group, you are required to:
-be a current client of CFIH
-have a dietitian and psychologist currently involved in your care
-arrange for your dietitian to submit an individual and approved snack list
-be referred into the group by GP & psychologist

Technology limitations and particularities: The service will be delivered via the web platform Teams Microsoft. This platform is recommended by the Australian Psychology Association (APS) as the safest for the purpose of the service. However, you acknowledge that any internet platform communication is limited in its confidentiality and you acknowledge that CFIH cannot guarantee the path of digital data transmission over an internet connection. This means that data may transfer over networks in countries outside Australia. 

Eating in general is probably an anxiety provoking time for you and the other participants.

This anxiety might be exacerbated by factors specific to the use of a video conferencing platform because it carries with it some aspects that are very different to sharing a meal in real life. We would like to pre-empt those with you so you can prepare for this and perhaps seek support from your usual clinician in developing potential coping strategies.

When sound is detected, the system shares the image from where the sound comes from. This is because, during a usual business or social conference call, participants want to see the face of the person who is talking. While eating, the system will detect the sound of your voice, surrounding noises and eating noise (munching). There will be a dynamic effect of changing screens, showing different participants at different times whether they are talking or making some noise while eating. This is perfectly normal but is something to be prepared for.

Another unusual aspect is that you will be able to see your own face while you are eating. While this is a formidable chance for exposure, it can be uncomfortable. People who find this too distressing can minimize their screens and might prefer to focus on others and the group leader’s screens.

Group rules

-We ask that everyone in the group is supportive of one another and respects these rules:
-Please be ready to start on time with your snack in front of you
-Angle the camera so both your snack and face are visible
-Have your microphone and camera turned on at all times
-Participate in the group from start to finish (leaving the group before the end will not be tolerated)
-Absolutely no unhelpful comments about food, weight and shape will be tolerated
-Commit to finish your snack in 15 minutes or less
-If you feel able to, participate in light conversation as a mean of distraction for yourself and others.
-The role of the clinician is to model normal eating and provide emotional support

Confidentiality: You have the right to confidentiality of your information. All personal information discussed with and recorded by the professionals during the provision of the service will remain confidential and secure.

In case that the clinical psychologist delivering the service is also the person you see in individual therapy, rest assured that no details about you will be shared to the group and you are expected to abide to the same rules.

Exceptions to confidentiality can occur when:

1. The information you have given to your practitioners is subpoenaed (officially requested) by a court of law or if staff are served with a warrant by police.
2. Failure to disclose the information would place you or another person at serious risk of harm.
3. Your prior approval has been obtained to provide information to or obtain information from other parties

It is important to discuss any concerns with these exceptions with your clinicians before commencing treatment.

Furthermore, within the group particularities apply:

You agree that anything said between any two or more group members at any time is part of the group and is confidential. You understand that everything said in this group is confidential and not to be shared with anyone outside of the group.

You agree to keep confidential the names of other members of the group and what is said in the group.

As a member of this group, you agree not to disclose to anyone outside the group any information that may identify another group member. This includes, but is not limited to, names, physical descriptions, biological information, and specifics to the content of interactions with other group members.

You agree to indemnify and hold CFIH harmless for any loss or damages, including costs and attorney’s fees, incurred by CFIH a result of your breach of another’s confidentiality.

You consent for the psychologists leading the online meal support group to share information for the benefit of your treatment with other named health professionals involved in your care. In the instance that you are distressed after the OMSG, you consent to the group leaders to alert your psychologist via email or phone call.

Fees and payments: Unfortunately, at this stage a rebate is unavailable through Medicare for group tele-health sessions. At this stage, private health companies do not have clear cut advice on whether they are able to rebate group tele-health however we do encourage you to contact your private health insurance company and seek information regarding this.

Due to the technology involved, videoconference consultations carry a risk of unforeseen technical issues. CFIH will use reasonable endeavors to minimize the risk of any technical issues (including call dropout). You acknowledge that CFIH is unable to offer a reduced consultation fee in these circumstances and that despite any technical issues you will be required to pay the consultation fees (even if these issues are outside your control). If you feel this is unfair, you may contact the Practice Manager to appeal this by email at info@cfih.com.au.

CFIH will email your receipt each time you participate in the online meal support group.

Cancellation policy: CFIH requires at least two business days (48 hours) notice to change your scheduled appointment. Cancellations and changes to appointment times made less than two business days prior to the scheduled appointment time will attract a $50.00 administration fee, and cancellations made less than one business day before the appointment time will be charged the full appointment fee.