Informed Consent
A voluntary agreement made after a person receives relevant information about participation.
Informed consent is a voluntary decision made after a person receives and understands relevant information about a proposed activity. In research, consent commonly explains purpose, procedures, foreseeable risks, potential benefits, alternatives, privacy, and the right to decline or withdraw without improper pressure.
Use language and formats the person can understand, allow time for questions, and check comprehension without turning the conversation into a test. Explain which data will be collected, who may see them, how long they will be kept, and what limits apply to confidentiality. Consent is an ongoing conversation when the activity or its risks change.
A signed form alone does not establish that a choice was informed or freely made. Capacity, power differences, emergencies, and local law can change what safeguards are needed. When someone cannot legally consent independently, applicable rules may require an authorized representative as well as respect for the person's assent and dissent.
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