[Clinical trial informed consent information for participants can be improved]

Abstract

Informed consent has been a legal right for patients participating in clinical research and an obligation for health professionals for a long time. A growing body of literature suggests that a considerable share of research participants do not read or understand the information they are given, or do not base their decisions on trial participation on the information. This article points out the challenges for health professionals arising from this situation and offers suggestions for how professionals can deal with the challenges.