Witness patients signing research consent forms

As a BSN-prepared nurse, you will likely be asked to witness patients signing research consent forms. It is important to understand how to advocate for patients. How can you determine if a patient understands a research consent form and how the research trials or study will affect them? How will your communication with the patient impact their understanding? Is language a barrier? What type of handout or media might help in his or her understanding of the research trial or study effects?