Introduction to Informed Consent

This course places informed consent within its historical context and outlines the regulations, guidelines and processes which arose from this background. The primary aims of informed consent are to protect the research participant from misinformation, exploitation and coercion. This course offers an introduction to the processes and wider factors which need to be taken into consideration when involving participants in clinical research. The course is aimed at everyone involved in clinical research.

Objectives:

Upon completion of this course, you will have an understanding of:

1. The events that lead to the development of universal research ethics
2. Why informed consent is necessary and the guidelines that brought it about
3. What is involved in taking informed consent from a potential study participant and the information they should be provided with
4. Who is, and is not, eligible to sign a consent form
5. Language that should not be used when asking an individual to enrol in a study
6. The options that are available for non-paper based communities
7. Points to be taken into account when taking consent