Rights of health research participants

What is research?

Research is the scientific way to gain knowledge. From this activity depends on all the advances in understanding diseases, their prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Where and who can investigate?

In Mexico, medical research can be done only in places approved by the Ministry of Health. There should always be a specialist in charge when testing new drugs.

What is the ethical review?

Before starting an investigation, a plan or protocol for execution must be written, it must be approved by the Ethics Committee that is responsible for ensuring the protection and rights of people who participate as subjects.

What is consent?

The researcher has the responsibility to provide comprehensive information about the study, its objectives, likely benefits, risks and discomforts in an Informed Consent Form, which must be reviewed, approved, and stamped by the Ethics Committee. The signing of this document marks the beginning of the subject's participation in the study.

What is the cost?

Participants should not pay for consultations, research drugs or lab/image studies. In return, they are committed to comply with all the activities that are assigned, retaining their right to withdraw from the study whenever they wish to.

Who will know the information?

The investigator must ensure that all personal data remains confidential. The investigator does not need to show identification data in any report, nor should he/she deliver the data to the sponsor.

For your protection:

• Keep a copy of your Informed Consent Form signed by you, the researcher and two witnesses.
• Inform your family about your participation in the investigation.
• Always keep the contact card with details of the researcher and the Health Research Unit in hand.
• Read and follow carefully all the instructions provided to you.
• Keep any medication containers provided to you.
• Promptly report to the investigator or the Health Research Unit if any discomfort or medical problems present.
• If you are in need of additional medical care, inform caregivers about your participation in the investigation.