Participants in research: Patients in clinical trials are protected by consumer regulation

doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7508.110

From trainee to consultant, BMJ Group offers doctors around the world tailored information, special events, learning resources and recruitment services at every step along their career path.

... by doctors, for doctors, for patients
We are open for entries!

Online learning

BMJ Learning

High-quality CME / CPD for doctors and other healthcare professionals. BMJ Learning features hundreds of accredited, peer-reviewed learning modules in text, video, and audio formats. Find out more

Courses and Qualifications

BMJ Masterclasses

BMJ Masterclasses, led by experts, help clinicians to use the latest evidence and recent guidelines in practice and meet their CPD/CME requirements. Find out more

Exam Preparation

The leading provider of online exam preparation, helping over 167,000 healthcare professionals to pass their exams. Find out more

onExamination

Search all BMJ comment articles:

From

Limit by

Access to the full text of this article requires a subscription or payment. Please log in or subscribe below.

Desmond R Laurence, professor emeritus, University College London (d.laurence@virgin.net)

London NW3 1ST

EDITOR—Sackett discussed the role of participants in trials.1 By volunteering as participants in clinical trials, patients enter a legal contract with the trial sponsor. The information sheets for patients, and a consent form signed by both parties, contain the contract terms. The contract creates legally binding obligations for both patient and sponsor.

What is supplied to the patient under the contract is additional treatment, which may be …