Can I change my mind?

“Remember, you can choose to leave a study at any time.”

  • You can choose to take part in a study, or you may choose not to be part of a study.
  • You can decide to leave a study at any time!
  • It is important to talk to you doctor about your concerns before leaving a study. Your doctor can tell you about any medical risks due to leaving a study.
  • If you change your mind in the middle of a study:
    • The consent form has details on how to leave the study, including a telephone number. [You get a consent form when a researcher explains the study to you. You have to sign a consent form before you join a study.]
    • Research staff can also help you leave a study.

Click here to read the NIH Clinical Center’s Patient Bill of Rights