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Online Case Study FAQs

Find answers to your queries about completing your online case study.

Print vs online case studies

  1. Is the online case study the same as the print version that I receive with NPS News?

Yes. From February 2007 NPS will present each case study in two formats: a printed version inserted with NPS News and an online version available via the NPS website. Each version contains the same scenario and questions.

  1. Can I still complete case studies in writing and fax or mail my responses to the NPS?

Yes. You can do this by:

  • Completing the printed version distributed as an insert with NPS News and mailed along with Australian Prescriber.

OR

Filling in the case study

  1. I've done all the questions and entered my contact details but when I click the 'Submit' button, a message says I have not completed all required fields. What now?

The application will take you back to the first question you have not completed which will be highlighted in red. Enter your response to this question and any other fields highlighted in red then go to the 'Submit' page and press the 'Submit' button again. It is important that you complete all the requested fields on the contact details page as this information is required to distribute the feedback report and credit you for QPI or PSA CPD&PI points if applicable.

  1. If I start completing the case study questions but get interrupted, will the answers I’ve typed in disappear?

Your responses should only disappear if you exit from the case study application (i.e. close the window). However to reduce the chance of losing your responses if you do get interrupted, press the 'Save and complete later' button (located at the top right hand of each question page) and enter the requested details. Be sure to make a note of your password so can you can access your saved responses at a later date.

  1. Do I have to complete and submit the case study in one sitting?

No. You can save your responses and complete later. Use the 'Save and complete later' button at the top right of the question pages. Enter your given name, family name and a memorable password then click 'OK'.

  1. Do I have to register with a password to complete a case study online?

No. If you complete the case study questions and submit your responses in one sitting you do not need to register or enter a password.

If you wish to save your responses and complete the case study at a later date you will be asked to enter your family name (surname), given name (first name) and a memorable password. You can then use these details at a later date to access your incomplete case study response, complete and submit your response.

  1. How long will an online case study be available for completion?

At this stage we envisage that each online case study will be available for participation for up to one year after publication on the website. Participants' 'Saved responses' will remain accessible until the case study is closed.

  1. Why is there a character limit on the questions?

We have given careful consideration to the length of each response field. The length of each field has been set to 'match' the space given on the print version of the case study. This means that the responses are comparable regardless of whether a print or online version of the case study is completed.

  1. Is it possible to view the case scenario again on the questions page?

Yes. On the top of each question page, under each question number (e.g. Question 1, Question 2), you can view the scenario again by clicking on 'Show scenario (click to expand)'. Then, if you wish to hide the scenario, click 'Hide scenario (click to collapse)'.

Saving and retrieving

  1. Do I have to complete and submit the case study in one sitting?

No. You can save your responses and complete later. Use the 'Save and complete later' button at the top right of the question pages. Enter your given name, family name and a memorable password then click 'OK'.

  1. How do I access my saved incomplete case study responses?
  1. Go to: casestudy.nps.org.au
  2. Select: 'Continue online version' for the case study name/number that you wish to access.
  3. A box with the heading 'Loading saved form' will appear.
  4. Enter your family name (surname), given name (first name) and the password that you entered previously then click 'OK'. You will be taken to your saved case study.
  1. I saved my incomplete case study responses but cannot remember my password.

If you have forgotten your password you can either start the case study anew or contact NPS on 02 8217 8700 and advise that you have forgotten your password for an online case study. You will need to provide your family name, given name, which case study you have saved responses for and the approximate date that you last saved your response. Unfortunately our system can only provide passwords if the date that you last saved your responses was at least 24 hours before you contact us.

  1. Do I have to register with a password to complete a case study online?

No. If you complete the case study questions and submit your responses in one sitting you do not need to register or enter a password.

If you wish to save your responses and complete the case study at a later date you will be asked to enter your family name (surname), given name (first name) and a memorable password. You can then use these details at a later date to access your incomplete case study response, complete and submit your response.

Receiving the feedback report

  1. How will I receive my feedback report if I complete the case study online?

Online participants who complete the case study before the feedback report is available are given the choice of receiving the case study feedback report by mail or via e-mail.

If you choose mail, it will be mailed when available to the address you provide.

If you choose email, you are asked to provide an email address to which the feedback report will be emailed when available.

After the feedback report is available, online participants will receive the feedback report by email.

Technical difficulties

  1. When I click ‘Start’ nothing happens and my information bar says 'Pop-up blocked'.

Check your pop-up blocker settings. To access the case study you will need to 'Temporarily allow Pop-ups' OR 'Always allow Pop-ups from this site' OR change your filter level in pop-up blocker settings to 'medium'. See your browser's help document to find out how to do this.

  1. Does the online case study application function with all web browsers?

The case study application functions with Internet Explorer.

With Mozilla and Firefox browsers the display may not be optimal but you should still be able to complete and submit the case study responses. If white space appears at the top of your screen, scroll down to find the text.

  1. Why does the case study not appear to work in my browser?

You may need to enable scripting (specifically javascript) in your browser. See your browser's help document to find out how to do this.

  1. On some pages I get a large blank space at the top of the screen and I need to scroll down to see the questions.

This may occur if you are using Firefox or Mozilla browsers but you should still be able to complete and submit the case study responses. We are currently working on a solution to this problem. Alternatively you can use Internet Explorer if available.

  1. I tried to use the 'backspace' button to edit my response when I received the warning that I have exceeded the maximum length. Why does the 'backspace' button not seem to work?

This appears to be a problem with Mozilla and Firefox browsers. To overcome this, you can select the text you wish to delete using the mouse, then right click and select 'cut'. Alternatively, you can use the Internet Explorer browser, if available.

Points and incentives

  1. Does completion of the case study online qualify for QPI (for GPs) and CPD points (for pharmacists) in the same way as the print version?

Yes. Participants qualify for the same points whether they complete the activity in writing/print or online.

  1. If I complete both the online and the print version of the same case study — does this count as two activities for QPI (for GPs) and CPD points (for pharmacists)?

No. The two versions contain exactly the same questions; therefore participation is only counted as one activity for the purposes of QPI (for GPs) and CPD points for pharmacists.

Date published: 2008-04-09 00:00:00

Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.

References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.