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Advertisements/ Notices for recruitment of research participants

 

Recruiting is part of the informed consent process; therefore the recruitment and advertising methods must be reviewed by NTU-IRB prior to their us​​​​e by an investigator. This review is done to ensure that the information is not misleading to potential research participants, the recruitment is not coercive, and that it accurately describes the likely risks and benefits of study participation. NTU-IRB is particularly cognizant of the special problems of research involving vulnerable populations (e.g. children, prisoners, pregnant women, mentally disabled persons, or economically or educationally disadvantaged persons.)

NTU-I​RB must review and approve the final copy of advertisements/notices (including any revisions and modifications to the material) prior to its use, so as to ensure they satisfy the above principles to protect the rights and welfare of the research participants.

*This includes advertisements/ notices used for online recruitment.

Advertisements/ Notices sent to NTU-IR​B for review must meet the following requirements:

  • ​Advertisements must clearly state that volunteers are being recruited to participate in an NTU research project with proper research title and NTU logo.
  • Name and contact details of person responsible for recruitment (and also to include name of PI), and NTU-IRB contact details (Tel: 6592 2495; Email: [email protected]) should also be provided.
  • The NTU-IRB project reference number should be stated.
  • Advertisements should include eligibility criteria.
  • Advertisements recruiting Minors must explicitly state that parental consent is required for participation (unless NTU-IRB has granted approval for a waiver of parental consent).

Advertisements/ Notices should NOT contain​ the following:

  • State or imply a certainty of favourable outcome or other benefits beyond what is outlined in the informed consent form and the application/protocol.
  • ​Make claims, either explicitly or implicitly, that a procedure or intervention is safe or effective or superior to other standard procedures or interventions.
  • Use catchy words lik​​e “free” or “exciting.”
  • Advertisements may state that p​articipants will be paid, but should not emphasize the payment or the amount to be paid (e.g. by suc​h means of larger or bold type).