Informed consent training for clinical research trials: online delivery

  • Foxton, Julie
  • Morbey, Chantelle
  • Gunner, Kerry
  • Wilkins, Su
Nursing Times 121(4):p 28-31, April 2025.

Abstract This article describes how the South supra-region of the NIHR Clinical Research Network developed a collaborative approach to deliver online learning about informed consent for research purposes during the Covid-19 pandemic. The online learning package was delivered by trained facilitators - the vast majority of whom were nurses - and continues to this day, as delegates have found the training to be easy to access and comprehensive. We discuss some of the issues and challenges to online delivery, and share practical tips for facilitators about delivering online learning packages.

This article has been double-blind peer reviewed

In this article…

  • Why informed consent training is key to the delivery of clinical trials

  • How to deliver online informed consent training for research studies

  • Top tips for facilitating online training

Key points

The National Institute for Health and Care Research funds, enables and delivers health and social care research

Additional informed consent training was needed for urgent clinical trials that took place during the Covid-19 pandemic

A collaborative approach was adopted to deliver the training online

Facilitators had to develop additional skills for training to be delivered online

Online delivery is continuing as it allows for a wide reach and easy access for delegates

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