ETHICS IN RESEARCH INFORMED CONSENT

Informed consent is a legal and ethical concept that refers to the process by which an individual voluntarily agrees to undergo a medical intervention, treatment, or participate in research, after having been informed of all relevant information about the intervention, including its benefits, risks, alternatives, and potential consequences. Informed consent is a critical component of ethical medical practice and research, and it ensures that individuals have the right to make autonomous decisions about their healthcare and medical treatments.

Informed consent key information

Informed consent requires that participants are provided with key information regarding the medical intervention, treatment, or research study. This information should be presented in a way that is clear and understandable, and it should be tailored to the participant's level of understanding. The following are some of the key information that should be provided to participants during the informed consent process:

Purpose of the Intervention or Research Study

Participants should be informed about the purpose of the medical intervention or research study they are being asked to participate in. This includes a description of the medical intervention or treatment, or the research study and its objectives. Providing this information helps participants understand why they are being asked to participate and what the potential benefits of participation may be.

Risks and Benefits

Participants should be provided with information about the potential risks and benefits of the medical intervention or research study. This includes a description of any potential adverse effects, complications, or risks associated with the intervention or study. The potential benefits should also be clearly explained, including any potential improvements to their health or quality of life. Providing this information helps participants make an informed decision about whether to participate in the intervention or study.

Alternatives

Participants should be informed about any available alternatives to the medical intervention or research study they are being asked to participate in. This includes a description of other medical treatments or interventions that may be available, as well as other research studies that they may be eligible for. Providing this information helps participants make an informed decision about whether the intervention or study is the best option for them.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Participants should be informed about how their personal information will be protected and kept confidential. This includes a description of the privacy policies and procedures that will be used to protect their information. Participants should also be informed about who will have access to their personal information and how it will be used.

Voluntary Participation

Participants should be informed that their participation in the medical intervention or research study is voluntary. They should understand that they have the right to refuse to participate or to withdraw from the study at any time without penalty or negative consequences. Participants should also be informed about any incentives or compensation that will be provided to them for their participation.

Contact Information

Participants should be provided with contact information for the healthcare provider or researcher in charge of the intervention or study. This includes a phone number or email address where they can reach the provider or researcher with any questions or concerns. Participants should also be provided with contact information for an institutional review board or other oversight committee that can address any ethical concerns or questions.

In summary, the informed consent process requires that participants be provided with key information about the medical intervention or research study they are being asked to participate in. This includes a description of the purpose, risks and benefits, alternatives, confidentiality and privacy policies, voluntary participation, and contact information. Providing this information helps participants make an informed decision about whether to participate and ensures that their autonomy and rights are respected.

(c) Rotimi Philip