Do you know why is an informed consent taken in every research? What are the implications in the informed consent?
Getting an informed consent before a research study requires a candid conversation between the researcher and the participant. Good amount of attention has been emphasized on the readability of the consent document. Yet, it is crucial to remember that the document is a mere proxy for the candid conversation. This conversation should be built on the study goals, time duration, the risks involved and confidentiality of records. It is vital that the respondents should understand that their participation in any research study is completely voluntary and they can withdraw from the process at any time they wish to. Informed consent also should be got from the respondent only after the relevant data has been gathered from the same. However, the consent has to be taken before starting any study procedures. The privacy of the respondents is very important and the risks involved must be pre-informed. It is also the responsibility of the individual who conducts the research to convince the participant to give the informed consent. This process also clears the ethical issues that may arise. The informed consent can also be considered as a continuous dialogue with the respondents which reiterate the vital elements of the primary consent through the entire study.
More than obtaining an informed consent from a participant, it is vital to keep track of te documentation of the consent process. The source should have all details with respect to the consent from the date, name of the respondents, their record number, study number and finally title. It is mandatory for the consent document to state that the respondent had been given enough time to decide and sign the consent only after understanding the advantages and disadvantages involved in the study.