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Table 2 Glossary of terms for informed consent

From: Ethical frameworks for obtaining informed consent in tumour profiling: an evidence-based case for Singapore

Types of consent

 Implied consent

Whereby consent is not explicitly sought from participants to use their samples in research.

 Blanket consent

Consent that is sought from the participant once, either at or prior to sample collection, for use in any and all future research without the need obtain any further consent.

 Broad consent

Consent that is sought from the participant once, either at or prior to sample collection, for use in any and all research without the need obtain further consent from the participant, who then delegates their decision making authority to an IRB (or another institution) for specific research projects.

 Categorical consent

Consent that is sought from the participant to use samples in particular categories of research, and may include an option that allows researchers to recontact participants for consent to use samples outside of nominated areas of research.

 Specific consent

Consent that is sought from the participant to use samples in specific research projects only, and may include an option that allows researchers to recontact participants for consent to use samples in other projects.

 Tiered consent

Provision of multiple options for participants to choose the type of consent they wish to provide.

Types of consent methods

 Opt out

Whereby consent is not explicitly sought for a given action, but participants are informed about the option to withdraw.

 Opt in

Whereby verbal or written consent is explicitly sought from the participant to use samples in research.

Types of withdrawal options

 Tiered withdrawal

Whereby participants are given numerous options to withdraw in varying degrees. I.e. to withdraw from further contact while leaving samples and data in the study, or withdraw samples while leaving data, or withdraw all samples, personal information and discontinued use of data

 Single withdrawal

Whereby participants are given the option to either continue participation or withdraw completely.