Ethics Resources
The Resource Library brings together tools, guidance, and educational materials designed to support the ethical conduct and review of child health research. These resources were developed to strengthen the quality, consistency, and efficiency of research ethics processes across institutions.
The library includes materials for researchers, Research Ethics Board (REB) members, administrators, and patient and family partners involved in pediatric research. These resources were developed by the CHEER project alongside patient and family partners, with the goal of providing the information about research participation that children and families desire in a format that is inclusive, accessible and concise.
Researcher Resources
For Children
Space Mission Map Assent Activity
This assent activity can be filled in with research study details. It is suitable for younger children. The matching Space Explorer ID badge can be printed separately for children to use.
English
Français
Puzzle Assent Activity Booklet
An assent template that is customizable and intended for school aged children to learn about the study whilst completing some activities, with puzzles and games.
Visual Study Schedule
This is a resource for both children and families that provides all the information of a traditional study visit schedule, but in picture format. A key describing the meaning of each image is provided at the bottom of each page. A graphics library is provided to get you started with some images of activities that are common to many studies.
English
Français
Drawing Assent Activity Booklet
An assent template that is customizable and intended for school aged children to learn about the study whilst completing some drawing and colouring activities.
For Families
Research Digital Poster
This is a digital poster designed to be shown on slides or TV screens in waiting areas. It introduces the concept of research participation, and can be used across Canadian jurisdictions. This has been produced in collaboration with the CHEER Patient and Family Advisory Committee.
Research Brochure
This tri-fold brochure is designed to be printed and made available to families. It introduces the concept of research participation, and can be used across Canadian jurisdictions. This has been produced in collaboration with the CHEER Patient and Family Advisory Committee.
Research Digital Infographic
This is a digital infographic designed to be read on phones, tablets or laptops. It can be shared alongside other introductory information to potential or new study participants. It introduces the concept of research participation, and can be used across Canadian jurisdictions. This has been produced in collaboration with the CHEER Patient and Family Advisory Committee.
CHEER Informed Consent Form Template
This informed consent form template was developed by a pan-Canadian working group with representation from the REB offices at paediatric research universities and hospitals. It can be used for studies submitted in the CHEER system, and for paediatric studies submitting to institutional REB platforms in Canada. This template is not appropriate for COG studies, nor should it be used for paediatric clinical trials in Québec.
Ethics Education Modules
The Research Ethics Educational Modules are interactive learning resources designed to support the ethical conduct and review of child health research.
The Assent Process in Pediatric Research
“Health research: making the right decision for me”, an animated video produced by the Nuffield Council on Bioethics (UK), shared with permission.