In most studies, the basic consent presentation and documentation should suffice for adult participants. However, researchers don’t just study normal adults, so alternate consent procedures have been developed to accommodate other groups of participants. For example, some of these groups include “vulnerable participants” (i.e. participants that are unable to legally give consent) such as minors and prisoners, and "risk-sensitive populations" (i.e. populations that are more susceptible to risk). Guidance for developing consent procedures for various groups exists throughout the Researchers Guide and following list provides links to this information.
Special Consent Situations
If your study involves activities that would put the participant at risk for injury (i.e. physical activity such as that in a kinesiology study), please add the following text to the consent form:
What happens if you are hurt during this study?
You will not be paid for lost wages, disability, or discomfort if you suffer any unexpected injury directly resulting from this study. Treatment for an unexpected injury directly resulting from the research study that is not covered by the sponsor or your insurance will be provided free of charge at the University of Virginia. You should talk to the study researcher if you have questions about being paid for an unexpected injury caused by this study. You do not give up legal rights for personal injury by signing this form.