| Checklist
of Questions
So you have been asked to take
part in a research study! This can be a very satisfying experience,
allowing you to help yourself now and to help others in the
future. After all, without research, treatment cannot improve,
and without those who take part, there would be no research!
You are the one who makes research possible.
But how you do know if you
want to take part? What questions should you ask? The researcher
should answer these basic questions clearly for you. Other
questions undoubtedly will arise during the discussion.
Q: Why do you want me in your
study?
Q: What is the research about?
How will this research help in treating or understanding my
disorder?
Q: What do I need to do and
how much time will this take?
Q: How might this study help
me, my relatives, or other people with my disorder?
Q: What possible risks are
there to me or my relatives if I take part?
Q: How will this be different
from the care I am getting now, and do I have other options
or choices?
Q: Could my illness become
worse during the study? What will happen if it does?
Q: What will happen to me at
the end of the study?
Q: What should I do if I want
to drop out of the study?
Q: May I get back to you after
I discuss this with my family/friend/case manager/doctor?
Remember to ask again if you
do not understand the explanation to any question you have.
And, if you forget the answers to these questions during the
study, just ask them again.
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