The AHRQ Informed Consent and Authorization Toolkit for Minimal Risk Research

Please take as much time as you need to make your choice.

Your medical care will not change in any way if you say no.

Why sign this document?

To be in this study, sign this document.

Why are you doing this research study?

We want to learn more about how to help people who have [insert condition]. This study will help us learn more about [insert specifics]. We are asking people like you who have [insert condition] to help us.

What happens if I say yes, I want to be in the study?

If you say yes, we will:

There are no right or wrong answers to these questions. You can skip any question you do not want to answer.

How long will the study take?

The study will take about [insert time] of your time.

What happens if I say no, I do not want to be in the study?

No one will treat you differently. You will not be penalized. [For studies with prospect of benefit, add: While you will not get the benefit of being in this study, you will not lose any other benefits.] [For studies with no prospect of benefit, add: You will not lose any benefits.] The care you get from your doctor will not change.

What happens if I say yes, but change my mind later?

You can stop being in the study at any time. You will not be penalized. [For studies with prospect of benefit, add: While you will not get the benefit of being in this study, you will not lose any other benefits.] [For studies with no prospect of benefit, add: You will not lose any benefits.] The care you get from your doctor will not change.

Who will see my answers?

The only people allowed to see your answers will be the people who work on the study and people who make sure we run our study the right way. [If there is a study sponsor that will have access to the data, name sponsor here.]

Your survey answers, health information, and a copy of this document will be locked in our files. We will not put your answers into your medical record.

When we share the results of the study [insert details here, e.g., in medical journals] we will not include your name. We will do our best to make sure no one outside the study will know you are a part of the study.

Will it cost me anything to be in the study?

Will being in this study help me in any way?

Being in the study will not help you, but may help people with [insert condition] in the future.

Will I be paid for my time?

Yes. We will give you [insert amount]. This is to pay you for your time. You will get this money [insert detail, e.g., at the end of the survey today] even if you decide to skip some of the questions.

Is there any way being in this study could be bad for me?

Yes. There is a chance that:

We will do our best to protect your privacy. [Insert details on additional risks if relevant to the study, such as: You could have a legal problem if someone outside the study found out that you did something illegal.]

[Insert details regarding accommodation or referrals (e.g., for counseling) if relevant to the study.]

What if I have questions?

Please call the head of the study, [insert name and phone #], if you :

You can also call the office in charge of research at [insert phone#] to ask questions about this study.

Do I have to sign this document?

No. You only sign this document if you want to be in the study.

What should I do if I want to be in the study?

You sign this document. We will give you a copy of the document to keep.

By signing the document you are saying:

____________________________________________________________
Your name (please print)
____________________________________________________________
Your signature
If an interpreter was used:
__________________
Date
___________________________________________________________
Name of interpreter (please print)
___________________________________________________________
Signature of interpreter
If someone is signing this form for the subject, explain why:
__________________
Date
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Name of legally responsible person (please print)
___________________________________________________________

* This form is designed for minimal risk, noninterventional research only.