Teaching and research

What if I'm asked to take part in teaching?

• NHS staff involved in your care should always ask you whether you object to students being present while you are examined or treated. You have a right to refuse, and your care won't be affected in any way.
  

• Staff must ask you to give your consent before they take any photographs, or make any video or sound recordings of your examination or treatment for teaching purposes. Wherever possible, they will remove information that identifies you before using the recordings. Where this isn't possible, they must tell you before you make your decision.
  

• If you agree to photos being taken, or recordings being made for teaching purposes, you can change your mind later. If you withdraw your consent, they will not be used. They will be deleted as soon as possible.
  

What if I'm asked to take part in research?

• It's up to you to decide whether you want to take part in research.
  

• Before you decide, you should be given as much information about the research as you need, and you can ask as many questions as you want.
  

• You will usually be given written information about the research to take home. You can use this to discuss the research with your family and friends if you want to. You should never be put under any pressure to agree to take part.
  

• If you do want to take part in research, the staff should ask you to sign a form showing that you give your consent. They may give you a copy of this form to keep, and will also keep a copy in your health records.
  

• You can change your mind at any time about taking part in research without giving a reason.
  

• If you decide not to take part in the research, the standard of care you receive will not be affected in any way.