The nurse's role in the informed consent process

OBJECTIVES: To review the informed consent process in relation to oncology nursing roles and responsibilities, patient comprehension, cultural sensitivity, and qualitative methodologies. DATA SOURCES: Scientific and review articles, regulatory documents, and texts relating to informed consent. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing is involved in almost every aspect of the informed consent process. To be effective, nurses must be knowledgeable about fundamental concepts associated with informed consent and corresponding responsibilities and willing to address the complexities of the informed consent process. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Situations related to informed consent provide challenges and opportunities for professional growth. Keeping abreast of the evolving standards and concepts of informed consent enhances the essential roles that nurses play in clinically based research.