eConsent is an innovative consenting method that uses multimedia components (e.g., videos, interactive presentations) to further explain the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial. It may support a more interactive and engaging informed consent experience with flexibility for diverse learning styles (e.g., auditory, visual). eConsent may be performed in the clinic or it may be implemented remotely with the participant accessing the eConsent platform through a website.
eConsent technology exists, but detailed requirements of the institution (i.e., privacy and security) and REB remain opaque to the sponsor, contributing to study start-up delays. Sponsors indicate delays in approval of eConsent use in clinical trials are often due to REB and institutional concerns over movement of information and discomfort with 3rd party communication with the participants. Sites often update and customize their own consent forms, resulting in version control challenges that are difficult and resource intensive to manage.