In informed consent, what does "full disclosure" entail?

Informed consent is a fundamental principle in research ethics that ensures participants are fully aware of the nature of the study before agreeing to take part. "Full disclosure" refers to the obligation of researchers to provide potential participants with comprehensive and relevant information about the study. This includes details about the purpose of the research, procedures involved, risks and benefits, and the rights of the participants, including their ability to withdraw at any time without penalty.

Providing participants with all relevant information empowers them to make an informed decision about their participation, which is critical to ethical research practice. This process respects the autonomy of the participants and promotes transparency, fostering trust between researchers and participants.

The other options do not meet the standard of full disclosure. Summarizing the study with minimal details omits crucial information needed for informed decision-making, while only disclosing results after study completion fails to inform participants about the risks and benefits beforehand. Furthermore, obtaining consent without sharing any risks undermines the ethical considerations necessary for informed consent, as participants must understand the potential consequences of their involvement.