Questions to Ask Before Taking Part

The best way to feel comfortable about a research study is to ask questions until the answers are clear. Study teams expect this and are prepared for it. Bringing a short written list with you means nothing gets forgotten in the moment.

Use the checklist below as a starting point and add anything specific to your own routine or schedule.

What is involved, and how long?

• What would I actually be asked to do, step by step?
• How many visits are there, and how long does each take?
• How long does the whole study run from start to finish?
• Is anything required at home, such as a log or a daily routine?

What are the procedures?

• What happens during a typical visit?
• Are there questionnaires, measurements, or product use to complete?
• Is there anything I should avoid doing before a visit?
• Who will I be seeing, and what are their qualifications?

Possible risks and possible benefits

• What is known about possible risks or discomforts?
• What possible benefits, if any, have been described?
• What should I do if something feels off between visits?
• Who do I contact, and how quickly can I reach them?

How is my information handled?

• What information is collected about me, and why?
• How is it stored, and how long is it kept?
• Who is able to see it?
• How is my identity protected in any reporting?

Your right to withdraw

• Can I stop taking part at any time, for any reason?
• Do I need to give a reason if I decide to stop?
• What happens to the information already collected?
• Does stopping affect anything else, such as future studies?

If the answers are clear, unhurried, and written down where you can re-read them, you have what you need to make your own decision. Participation is always voluntary, and taking your time to decide is part of the process.