JAMA
February 3, 2015, Vol 313, No. 5
http://jama.jamanetwork.com/issue.aspx

Viewpoint | February 3, 2015
Digital Multimedia: A New Approach for Informed Consent?
Alan R. Tait, PhD1,2; Terri Voepel-Lewis, PhD, RN1
1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor
2Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor
JAMA. 2015;313(5):463-464. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.17122.
This Viewpoint discusses use of digital multimedia as a strategy to enhance study participants’ understanding of research information.
The bioethical principle of respect for persons requires that individuals participating in research studies are provided with sufficient information to allow them to make autonomous and informed decisions. In general, the process of informed consent requires that investigators disclose pertinent information regarding procedures to be performed, risks, and benefits, etc, in a manner that participants can understand. In most cases, this information is reinforced by having the study participant or parent/guardian read a consent document, which is then signed to authorize participation…