What is informed consent?

Informed consent is fundamentally about ensuring that participants in a research study are fully aware of what their involvement entails. This process involves providing potential participants with comprehensive information about the study's purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and their rights. The goal is to empower individuals to make a knowledgeable and voluntary decision about their participation.

While a document that participants sign might be part of the informed consent process, the essence of informed consent lies in the ongoing dialogue and the information-sharing that takes place before any agreement is reached. It's essential for maintaining ethical standards in research, ensuring that participants understand what they’re agreeing to, and that they participate without coercion or misunderstanding.