Discussion topic:
Define the term informed consent. What function does informed consent serve? Please explain.
Discussion post:
Informed consent can be a complex topic in the context of medical research. It is important to understand that informed consent is a continuous process of education and information sharing with research subjects. Ultimately, the process of informed consent is officially documented in a signed form containing signatures from the participant, interviewer, and principal investigator. It is also notable that not all forms of research require a specific consent form. In the case of verbal phone and written mail surveys participation in the survey is evidence of consent and a willingness to participate.^1
As mentioned, informed consent is ongoing and consists of more than simply signing a form. The process of informed consent involves four parts; disclosure of information, understanding of the participant, voluntary decision making on the part of the participant, and authorization. The first part involves explaining the study to the subject in non-technical language that can be easily and clearly understood. The understanding portion of informed consent ensures the participant is aware of the purpose of the research, the risks associated with any experimental procedures, alternative options, and participant roles and responsibilities. Voluntary decision making ensures subjects are not influenced or coerced into participation and are free to exit at any time. Although participants sign an official authorization form it is important to understand that the form alone does not constitute informed consent and the process does not stop with the signing of the form.^2
References
Define the term informed consent. What function does informed consent serve? Please explain.
Discussion post:
Informed consent can be a complex topic in the context of medical research. It is important to understand that informed consent is a continuous process of education and information sharing with research subjects. Ultimately, the process of informed consent is officially documented in a signed form containing signatures from the participant, interviewer, and principal investigator. It is also notable that not all forms of research require a specific consent form. In the case of verbal phone and written mail surveys participation in the survey is evidence of consent and a willingness to participate.^1
As mentioned, informed consent is ongoing and consists of more than simply signing a form. The process of informed consent involves four parts; disclosure of information, understanding of the participant, voluntary decision making on the part of the participant, and authorization. The first part involves explaining the study to the subject in non-technical language that can be easily and clearly understood. The understanding portion of informed consent ensures the participant is aware of the purpose of the research, the risks associated with any experimental procedures, alternative options, and participant roles and responsibilities. Voluntary decision making ensures subjects are not influenced or coerced into participation and are free to exit at any time. Although participants sign an official authorization form it is important to understand that the form alone does not constitute informed consent and the process does not stop with the signing of the form.^2
References
- DePoy E, Gitlin L. Protecting the Boundaries. In: Introduction to Research: Understanding and Applying Multiple Strategies. 4th St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby; 2011: 154-159.
- Lenards N. Research Ethics and Consent. Softchalk lecture. University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, Medical Dosimetry Program; 2017