Table 2 Views of researchers on modes of communication with participants

Depends on the study

“I think that as risk increases, the information should, the requirement for information increases” [P18]

“I think the simpler the study and the lower the risk, the smaller the consent should be in the sense of paperwork” [P01]

Depends on the participant

“some people make it very clear that they’re not actually interested in the nitty gritty, they just want to know big points. Others don’t and that’s where you need to tailor stuff. … the way that I would communicate to a 60 year old Australian man would be different to how I communicate to an 18 year old African woman” [P12]

“some patients prefer the written word and they can really go away and digest that, and then some patients really um, benefit from a discussion” [P05]

Face-to-face interaction

“Um, but the verbal is absolutely important, because you have the opportunity to look them in the eyes, and see whether they have this big question mark in their eyes, they don’t quite understand, it’s always better” [P06]

Written information form

“it’s a matter of us having a more simple form that says “these are the key points that I would like you to know, but here’s a longer document”for example, I think that would be helpful” [P12]

“if you have too little text, there’s a concern that they’re not, the consent won’t be informed, … but if you have it too verbose, or too, it starts, excluding them from engaging it in a sense.” [P11]

“Most people … said “no, I don’t need to read it, just tell me about the study.” [P13]