What is informed consent?

Informed consent is a fundamental aspect of research ethics and practice, particularly in clinical studies. It refers to the process through which a participant is adequately informed about the study they are considering joining, ensuring they understand the nature of the research, its purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, and their rights as participants.

When the choice is described as a "description of the study in non-technical language that participants can understand," it captures the essence of informed consent. This approach ensures that potential participants can make an educated decision about whether to participate based on a clear understanding of what involvement entails. This clarity is crucial for ethical reasons, as participants should never feel pressured or confused about their decisions, nor should they be swayed by complex jargon that could obscure the reality of the research.

Informed consent is not merely about providing a summary of study results or outlining risks in isolation, nor is it solely focused on confidentiality. While those elements may be part of the informed consent process, they do not encompass its full scope. The primary objective is to engage participants in an informative manner, allowing them the autonomy to choose whether to participate based on comprehensive, understandable information.