What should researchers do if a participant wants to withdraw from a study?

When a participant expresses a desire to withdraw from a study, it is essential for researchers to respect their decision and ensure that no penalties occur. This principle is grounded in the ethical obligations of informed consent and respect for individuals’ autonomy. Participants have the right to make informed choices about their participation at any point in the research process, and this includes the right to withdraw without facing consequences or coercion.

Respecting a participant's wish to withdraw reinforces the ethical foundation of the research conduct, emphasizing that participation should be voluntary and based on the individual's comfort level with the study. This approach protects the participant's dignity and rights, ensuring that they do not feel pressured to continue in a study they no longer wish to be part of.

Encouraging participants to stay in the study or providing incentives to remain can undermine the participant's autonomy and may lead to ethical concerns, particularly if it creates a perception of coercion. Informing participants about the study's importance is valuable, but it should not be a means to dissuade them from their decision to withdraw. Being respectful of their choice to leave the study upholds ethical research practices and supports a transparent and trustful relationship between researchers and participants.