Institutional review boards (IRBs) and informed consent have recently come
under increasing scrutiny. The provision of appropriate and understandable
information and its comprehension are key elements of the informed consent
process. Tills article examines how literacy and other factors might impact
on comprehension of the information provided Better understanding of these
issues and how to best address them are crucial to allowing clinical resea
rch subject ro participate as well-informed and willing partners in scienti
fic inquiry.