">Skip Navigation
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
Site Map   |   Contact Us   |   Español
Resize Text
Terms You Should Know: Informed Consent

Terms You Should Know: Main

Assent IRB Randomization
Blinding or Masking Placebo  
Informed Consent Protocol  

Informed Consent

"A parent's guide to learn key facts about a research study."

This is the way that you as a parent are given details about a study so that you can decide if your child should join a study. You are "informed" so that you can give your "consent" or okay. Nothing can happen until you consent to it.

"The rules state that you only do research on somebody if you get their informed consent before you enroll them in the research and before you do anything with them."
Dr. David Wendler, Clinical Bioethicist
Most people think about "informed consent" as a big long document that is given to them when they are asked to be in a study. And while there is a form, the discussion you have with a member of the research team is vital. The study team wants you to know about every detail of the study...you should know everything about what will happen when and what your and your child's involvement will be.
"...sit down with the person who gives you the informed consent document and ask them to just explain the study to you in normal terms. "
Tasmeen Singh, Research Coordinator
Take the time to ask them questions.

Sit down and read the full informed consent document.

After that, if you still have questions, make notes to yourself and go back to the research team.

Take your time! The informed consent form can be long and may have words that are hard to understand. Ask your research team for any help you might need...remember, always ask questions!