Paper or smartphone: How do you want to consent to studies?

Young people aged 14 and over and parents who want to support research for children and are willing to try out a digital consent process.

The Paediatric Research Centre at UKBB would like to test whether consent can also be given digitally - for example via smartphone or computer - in a simple and comprehensible way.

Today, consent for studies is given on paper. At the same time, the UKBB is pushing ahead with digitalisation in many areas.

Electronic consent could make the process more flexible and easier for families - for example, by allowing them to read documents at home, clarify questions over the phone or via video chat and then sign the consent forms.

The project is investigating how comprehensible, suitable for everyday use and user-friendly this digital method is. This will provide insights into the future path of the declaration of consent in studies.

1. Initial on-site consultation with information about the study and consent on paper.
2. Follow-up appointment via video chat or telephone: At this appointment, consent is given digitally via smartphone or computer.
3. Short questionnaire on user-friendliness.

Participation can help shape the consent process for future studies with children and adolescents.

The questionnaire is anonymous. All data is stored securely. Only authorised persons have access. The project complies with Swiss legal requirements and has been reviewed by the ethics committee. Participation is voluntary. You can withdraw at any time without giving reasons.

Interested or have questions? Please contact the Paediatric Research Centre at pfz@ukbb.ch - We will be happy to get in touch with you.