Informed consent

The ongoing process of learning what a trial involves so you can freely decide — and you can leave anytime.

Informed consent is the process of making sure you understand what a trial involves before you agree to join — the possible risks, the possible benefits, what will be asked of you, and what your other options are. The team walks you through a written document, answers your questions, and gives you time to think. Signing it is your choice, not a promise you can’t take back.

It’s called a process on purpose: it keeps going for as long as you’re in the study. If anything new comes up, you’ll be told. And you can leave a trial at any time, for any reason, without losing your regular care. The consent form is reviewed by an ethics board to help protect you.