Medical Research
Health
John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley, Liberal Democrat)
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will ensure that patients and guardians are given a right of access to research protocols for medical research in which they are involved.
Andy Burnham (Minister of State (Delivery and Quality), Department of Health; Leigh, Labour)
Potential research participants have to make a considered choice whether to consent to participate in research. They should receive the information they need in order to weigh up the risks and benefits. Research ethics committees review carefully whether the information is adequate. It is normally presented as an information sheet summarizing the research project, with details of how potential participants can request further information if they wish. They may ask for the research protocol.
Research protocols held by public authorities would normally be disclosed on request. Some parts of research protocols may be confidential.