What type of language should be avoided in the consent form?

What type of language should be avoided in the consent form?

• A. Technical jargon and complex terms
• B. Exculpatory language that waives legal rights
• C. Simple and straightforward explanations
• D. Legal terminology that confuses the subject

Answer: (B)

The use of exculpatory language that waives legal rights should be avoided in consent forms because it can create undue influence or pressure on participants. Such language implies that by agreeing to participate in a study, they are forfeiting their rights to seek compensation for potential harm or are absolving the researchers from liability, which is not an acceptable practice in research ethics. Ethical guidelines, including GCP, emphasize the need for consent to be informed and voluntary, ensuring that participants clearly understand what they are agreeing to without feeling coerced or misled regarding their legal rights. Informed consent should facilitate a clear understanding of the study's purpose, risks, and benefits, thereby promoting autonomy and informed decision-making among participants. This clarity empowers them to make choices without ambiguity surrounding their rights.

The use of exculpatory language that waives legal rights should be avoided in consent forms because it can create undue influence or pressure on participants. Such language implies that by agreeing to participate in a study, they are forfeiting their rights to seek compensation for potential harm or are absolving the researchers from liability, which is not an acceptable practice in research ethics. Ethical guidelines, including GCP, emphasize the need for consent to be informed and voluntary, ensuring that participants clearly understand what they are agreeing to without feeling coerced or misled regarding their legal rights.

Informed consent should facilitate a clear understanding of the study's purpose, risks, and benefits, thereby promoting autonomy and informed decision-making among participants. This clarity empowers them to make choices without ambiguity surrounding their rights.