Informed consent is the process of learning the key facts about a clinical trial before an individual decides whether or not to participate. When an individual is considering joining a clinical trial, the research staff will provide informed consent documents that include details about the study. But informed consent is more than just signing a form. It is a continuous process, with the research team providing information throughout the course of the trial. Since joining a clinical trial is an important decision, people are encouraged to discuss all their questions and concerns with the research team before deciding whether to participate.