What are the risks?
You should ask the researchers about the risks of participating in their study.
Participating in some sorts of research carries more risks than participating in other sorts of research.
For example, if you agree to test a new treatment that has not been widely used before there may be risks of harm of which we are unaware. However, ethics review before research is approved will check that the likelihood of this is low and less than the potential for benefit),
If you participate in a research survey, there is not the same risk of an adverse reaction to a drug, althgouh there still could be more minor risks such as finding some of the questions upsetting.
In all research you have the right to withdraw at any point without it upsetting anybody and without it affecting your right to treatment.
If you are asked to participate in research, it is important to make sure you understand exactly what you are being asked to do and what are the risks.
If the researcher or health professional cannot answer your questions satisfactorily then do not participate.
Page last edited: 30 January 2011
