Reduction in Ephedra Poisonings after FDA Ban

Abstract

The findings of Lagler et al. that current consent templates are written at an education level that exceeds that of the general population are consistent with the findings of others who have evaluated consent forms and templates. 1These data suggest that the institutions where research is conducted, the research teams that write consent forms, or the oversight committees that review them (or all of the above) are not sufficiently focused on the goal of facilitating understanding among potential research participants.This seems true, as consent forms continue to increase in length, complexity, and the incorporation of legal language, thus jeopardizing understanding despite recognition of the need to improve consent forms. 2 I agree that substantial efforts are needed to improve consentform readability and understandability, and those efforts should include attention to the research teams, review groups, and research institutions that shape the consent forms.