It is always voluntary whether you want to participate in an experiment. Even if you have agreed to participate in a research project, you can regret and withdraw from the experiment at any time.
If you are considering becoming a test subject, it is recommended that you read the brochure: Before you decide, before you make a final decision. It describes the general conditions surrounding a research project that one should be aware of.
As a test subject, you can be both a healthy person or you can be a patient. As a starting point, you as a subject will not directly benefit from participating in a research project, but you will contribute to new knowledge being obtained, which in the long term can, for example, prevent disease and benefit people with a certain disease.
The scientific ethics committees must look after the interests of experimental subjects. It is important that new, valuable knowledge is created, but in relation to this, consideration for your safety and well-being takes precedence over scientific and societal interests. As a subject, you must also always have detailed information - both written and verbal - about the specific project in which you can participate.
The committees attach particular importance to you as a subject being properly informed about the research project before you have to decide whether you want to participate. NVK has prepared a pre-printed form: Subjects' rights in a health science research project , which researchers can choose to use in connection with the information they must give subjects. The form states the subjects' general rights and must be supplemented with a written description of the specific research project.
In some health science trials, compensation may be provided for participation (see Appendix 1 ).