A doctor, nurse or researcher should always ask your permission to include you in a trial and they can’t enter you into a trial if you decide to say no.
To help you make your decision the researchers should tell you all about the study:
- What it is trying to find out.
- How you will be treated.
- What you will have to do.
When the medical staff talk to you about the trial you can ask as many questions as you like so that you feel you know enough to reach a decision. You will also be given an information sheet, giving all the details of the trial, to take away with you. Talk it over with your parents and friends; take your time and don’t feel rushed into making your mind up.
If you decide to take part in the study, you or your parents will be asked to sign a consent form. However, you can still change your mind at any time (even if you have already started the trial). Your doctors will respect your choice and will give you the standard treatment for your situation. You don’t have to give a reason if you prefer not to and your doctors will not hold it against you at all.
possible questions you might want to ask:
- What is the trial called?
- What is the point of the trial?
- Will I need to come into hospital more?
- Will I need to take more time off school/work?
- Will I need to have more tests?
- Do they know what side effects I might have from either treatment?
- When will I find out about the results?
- What happens if I don’t go into the trial?
- Who can I contact if I have any problems?
