What is true about participation in clinical research?

Participation in clinical research is based on the principle of informed consent, which allows individuals the autonomy to decide whether or not to take part in a study. When patients choose to participate in clinical research, they retain their rights as patients, meaning they can still receive their usual medical care alongside research participation. This means that enrolling in a study does not require patients to forgo other treatments or limit their access to necessary care.

Additionally, patients are informed that participation is voluntary, emphasizing that they can withdraw from the study at any time without impact on their ongoing care. This autonomy is a fundamental aspect of ethical research practices, ensuring that patients are not coerced into participation and that their well-being remains a priority throughout the research process.