Which of the following statements about broad consent is true?

• A. Blanket consent and broad consent can be used interchangeably.
• B. Broad consent requires the researcher to directly contact participants when future research is being conducted.
• C. Broad consent is sought prior to data collection.
• D. Only the researcher is responsible for ensuring that the terms of participant consent are respected when data is stored in a repository.

Answer: (C)

Broad consent is a way to allow future, unspecified research uses of data or samples while still protecting participants. The crucial point is timing: broad consent is obtained before data collection begins. When participants agree, they’re told that their data may be used for future studies that aren’t described in detail at the outset, and they’re informed about how the data will be stored, protected (often de-identified), who may access it, and how they can withdraw if possible. Governance and ethics oversight guide any unspecified future uses, so there’s a built-in safeguard beyond the initial consent.

This is why the statement that broad consent is sought prior to data collection is true. It isn’t simply blanket permission; it relies on described protections, governance, and ongoing oversight.

Other options don’t fit. Broad consent isn’t just interchangeable with blanket consent, as broad consent involves specific expectations about governance, protections, and future use that go beyond a vague blanket permission. Re-contact of participants for every future study isn’t necessarily required; future uses can be governed by the consent and by data-access mechanisms rather than by direct, ongoing outreach for each project. And responsibility doesn’t rest solely on the researcher; data repositories, custodians, institutions, and ethics oversight bodies all share obligations to ensure the terms of consent are respected and that protections are maintained.