Before the meeting
Begin with what matters to you.
Think about your health priorities, work and family responsibilities, travel limits, comfort with uncertainty, and the people you want involved in the decision. You may bring a trusted person, take notes, and ask for a copy of the consent information.
If a term is unfamiliar, ask the research team to explain it in plain language. A good consent conversation leaves room for questions—not pressure.
Purpose and evidence
What is the main question this study is trying to answer?Ask why the research matters and how your participation would contribute.
What is already known?Ask whether the intervention or approach has been studied before and what remains uncertain.
What are the alternatives?Discuss other studies and non-research care options with an appropriate healthcare professional.
Time and procedures
What would a typical week or month look like?Include visits, travel, remote tasks, medications, diaries, devices, and follow-up.
Which tests are only for research?Ask how study procedures differ from ordinary care and whether results will be shared with you.
How long could participation last?Clarify screening time, active participation, and long-term follow-up.
Risks, benefits, and care
What risks or discomforts are known?Ask about common, serious, and uncertain risks and how they are monitored.
Is personal benefit expected?Understand that benefit may be possible, uncertain, or not expected depending on the study.
Who helps if my health changes?Know the contacts, after-hours process, treatment options, and how usual healthcare providers are involved.
Cost and everyday logistics
Ask what the study pays for, what may be billed to you or insurance, whether compensation is offered, and whether travel, parking, meals, lodging, childcare, or missed work are reimbursed. Confirm where visits occur and whether remote participation is possible.
Privacy and future use
Ask who may see your information, how records are protected, whether biological samples are collected, how long data or samples may be stored, and whether they could be used for future research. Review the consent material for the choices available to you.
Changing your mind
What happens if I decide to stop?Ask whom to notify, whether a final visit is recommended, and what happens to information already collected.
Could someone else end my participation?Learn the circumstances and what care or follow-up would be available afterward.