An Interdisciplinary Approach to the Informed Consent Process:

Abstract

Participant – researcher communication during the informed consent process has characterized such interactions as being informative. The present research provides participants’ perceptions of the informed consent process, factors that affect their decisions to participate, in addition to highlighting participants’ relationships with the various professionals involved. A telephone survey was conducted with 60 participants previously enrolled in one of five drug trails. Findings indicated that the majority of participants perceived the informed consent process was valid, understood their rights as participants, had a high level of trust for the professionals involved, and with self-benefit as one of the first reasons for participating. Conclusions focus on various factors that researchers should be aware of when conducting the informed consent process, particularly in the areas of risks and benefits.