Maintaining Informed Consent Validity during Lengthy Research Protocols
Abstract
Participants in clinical studies are frequently unable to remember study information for the duration of their participation in the research. Along with a nine-member work group and a seven-member advisory group, we determined that six elements of consent are necessary to uphold the validity of consent over time: awareness of ongoing participation; understanding the right to withdraw; understanding that withdrawal will not influence other treatment options; knowledge of the general purpose of the research; knowledge of potential risks of participation; and understanding of the differences between traditional, individualized clinical care and standardized treatment during research participation. Based on these important elements, we developed an Assessment of Sustained Informed Consent as a tool to periodically review a protocol’s essential elements with its participants. We hope this will be a useful means of confirming research participants’ continued knowledge of the critical elements of consent, and of identifying those subjects who need reminding