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Confidentiality is one of the basic rights of research participants.
Most people are very concerned about how researchers will protect their privacy and
confidentiality.

All staff in the study will be trained and certified to protect the confidentiality of
participants. Records identifying participants will be locked and made available only to
research staff.

Data used for analysis in research and for publication will be identified by a number
only with no names. The Research Consent Form provides a complete explanation of
confidentiality, and every participant will have a copy of the Research Consent Form.

What is a Research Consent Form?
Also called an "Informed Consent", this is a process that insures that a person
completely understands the intent, procedures, risks if any, and benefits, if any, of a
study, and includes signing a written agreement indicating their willingness to
participate. The Informed Consent is not a contract. The participant can choose to
withdraw form the study at any time.

How do I know this study is safe?
It's important to know that there are several layers of monitoring during the research.

The Hebrew SeniorLife Institutional Review Board will review the study carefully
every year for the protection of the participants;
once a year a national committee of expert scientists called the External Review
Board will review the science in the study; and
every six months a Safety Monitoring Board will review the operation of the study.

The safety and comfort of our study participants is one of our most important
goals.