Microbiology and Infectious Diseases Clinical Research Policies, Guidance, and Tools
Protocol and Informed Consent
The protocol is the working document that describes the objective(s), design, methodology, statistical considerations, and organization of a clinical research project as well as the background and rationale for the trial. Protocols and amendments must be approved by DMID and all the Institutional Review Boards or International Ethical Committees of record.
Informed consent refers to the process by which a volunteer confirms his or her willingness to participate in the research after having been informed of all aspects of the trial that are relevant to the volunteer’s decision to participate. Informed consent is documented by means of a written, signed, and dated informed consent form. Both U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have regulations that address the informed consent process.
DMID also follows the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH –E6) Good Clinical Practice guidelines for protocol and informed consent content.
DMID Policies
DMID Protocol Templates/Boilerplate Text
Guidances and Tools
Related Links
- Selected References page under
- FDA heading 21CFR 50 for consents; 21 CFR 312. for INDs; and 21 CFR 812 for IDEs
- Human Subjects Protections heading for 45CFR46 for consent requirements
- International Conference on Harmonisation
- Specimens page for Future Use of Specimens Guidance