Informed Consent Policy

SALT JSRH recognizes the fundamental importance of informed consent in healthcare research. We believe that all participants have the right to understand the risks and benefits of participating in a study, ask questions, and voluntarily choose whether or not to contribute.

• Compulsory Informed Consent: We require authors to obtain informed consent from all participants in research published in SALT JSRH, regardless of age, capacity, or study design.
• Content and Process: Informed consent forms must clearly explain the study objectives, procedures, potential risks and benefits, alternatives to participation, data collection and storage methods, and participant rights (e.g., withdrawal, access to findings).
• Vulnerable Populations: We pay particular attention to research involving vulnerable populations like children, pregnant women, or individuals with mental or physical disabilities. Consent processes must be tailored to ensure their understanding and voluntary decision-making.
• Documentation and Evidence: Authors must provide evidence of informed consent, including signed consent forms and documented procedures for obtaining consent.
• Reviewer Scrutiny: During peer review, informed consent forms are carefully assessed to ensure they meet ethical standards and adequately protect participants.

SALT JSRH promotes informed consent as a continuous process, not just a signed document:

• Ongoing Communication: Researchers have a responsibility to maintain open communication with participants throughout the study, addressing questions and concerns promptly.
• Transparency and Sharing: We encourage authors to share their informed consent forms and procedures openly, fostering trust and facilitating research replicability.
• Evolving Landscape: We actively engage in discussions about emerging challenges in informed consent, such as online research, genetic testing, and data sharing practices. We adapt our policies and guidance as needed to ensure informed consent remains meaningful and effective in an evolving research landscape.

We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards in informed consent:

• Protecting participant autonomy and well-being is our top priority.
• We provide resources and support to researchers to navigate informed consent complexities.
• We actively promote ethical research conduct and foster a culture of respect for participant rights.

We invite researchers to partner with SALT JSRH in conducting ethically sound research and ensuring informed consent remains a cornerstone of healthcare research progress. Together, let's build a future where participants are empowered, respected, and actively involved in shaping the trajectory of healthcare knowledge.

If you have any questions about our informed consent policy, procedures, or resources, please don't hesitate to contact us. We are always happy to discuss and clarify any concerns you may have.