eConsent for Clinical Trials

Electronic informed consent for patient-centric decentralized clinical trials.

Help your patients make informed decisions without burying them in paper

With electronic informed consent (eConsent) software, your patients can access consent forms using any device they choose. And because it’s part of TrialKit’s unified platform, both your patients and your study team get a seamless experience.

What is eConsent?

eConsent, short for electronic informed consent, is a digital method for delivering, reviewing, and signing clinical trial consent forms. It replaces traditional paper-based consent with a streamlined, mobile-friendly experience that improves participant comprehension and speeds up study enrollment.

Unlike static paper forms, eConsent in clinical trials enables participants to access consent materials remotely, engage with multimedia content for better understanding, and sign electronically from any device. This modern approach not only supports decentralized and hybrid trial models but also strengthens regulatory compliance through built-in audit trails and version control.

eConsent is fully integrated within the TrialKit platform, offering a seamless solution for sponsors and CROs looking to enhance participant engagement while maintaining 21 CFR Part 11, HIPAA, and GDPR compliance. Whether your trial is conducted at a site or entirely remote, TrialKit adapts to your workflow and participant needs.

TrialKit eConsent Features

eConsent form with links to video and PDF

Study participant eSignature

Handoff manager

Quick view of consented participants

PDF of consent report

Why Choose TrialKit for eConsent?

Today’s clinical trials put patients’ needs first. TrialKit’s eConsent software makes complicated informed consent documents easier for patients to understand. And when they know what they’re signing up for, they’re more likely to enroll and stay enrolled. Fewer dropouts helps keep your study on track so you can get to market faster.

Improve patient retention

Patients receive clear explanations with educational hyperlinks, pop-up windows, photos, and videos. After consenting or reconsenting, patients automatically receive a copy of the consent forms. Improved communication and transparency leads to more committed, engaged patients.

Provide a better patient experience

eConsent allows patients to review documents at a place and time that’s most convenient – on their computer or on their mobile device. Using handoff mode, they can also complete informed consent on site with a clinician.

Run smoother global studies

Patients no longer have to visit a research site to sign a bunch of forms. They can consent from “virtually” anywhere: from home, from the office, or from a clinic. Translations in 16 languages makes your trial more accessible across ethnic groups.

Consent forms your way

Customize forms to suit patients’ needs using TrialKit’s drag-and-drop form builder. Create custom forms for each site, for pediatric and adult patients, and more. Automated email notifications keep everyone informed every step of the way.

Real-time access

Study teams can access consent data from anywhere using TrialKit’s web or mobile app. Role-based permissions keep data secure.

Improve study efficiency

TrialKit eConsent helps ensure only consented or patients move forward in your study. Automated workflows and reporting help you deploy reconsent and track which patients have provided consent. That way, you only collect data on patients who have fully executed consent.

How the eConsent Process Works

The TrialKit eConsent workflow is designed to make the consent process intuitive, flexible, and compliant—both for participants and research teams. Each step is fully digital and optimized for mobile use, allowing participants to give informed consent from virtually anywhere.

Step 1 – Participant Invitation

Participants receive a secure link via email or through the TrialKit mobile app, which allows them to begin the consent process at their convenience. Optional pre-screening steps can be included to ensure eligibility before progressing.

Step 2 – Reviewing the Consent Form

Participants are guided through an interactive consent experience that can include videos, glossary terms, and embedded Q&A sections. Built-in comprehension checks ensure participants fully understand the study requirements before moving forward.

Step 3 – Digital Signature & Documentation

Once the participant is ready, they can sign the consent form using secure eSignature authentication methods. The system automatically generates an audit-ready digital record, capturing time-stamped activity and version history for compliance and oversight.

Every step of the process is accessible via smartphone, tablet, or desktop, ensuring flexibility for participants and transparency for study teams. With TrialKit, eConsent is not just a feature. It’s a fully integrated part of a modern, participant-centric clinical trial ecosystem.

How eConsent Benefits Clinical Trials

For Participants

  • Easier access and comprehension of consent forms
  • Multilingual options and multimedia aids
  • Remote access and increased flexibility
  • Improved trust and transparency

For The Study Team

  • Faster enrollment and reduced drop-offs
  • Audit-ready digital trails
  • Reduced errors and improved compliance
  • Time and cost savings

Compliance and Security Standards

  • HIPAA and GDPR alignment
  • Regulatory compliance for global studies
  • Data encryption and access controls

Ready to Modernize Your Informed Consent Process?

FAQs about eConsent

Is eConsent legally valid?

Yes, eConsent is legally valid and compliant with major regulatory requirements such as 21 CFR Part 11, HIPAA, and GDPR. It includes secure digital signatures, audit trails, and access controls to ensure legal defensibility and ethical adherence in clinical research.

How does eConsent improve participant understanding?

eConsent improves participant comprehension by offering multimedia enhancements like videos, glossaries, and embedded Q&A sections. These tools help explain complex medical or trial-related information in an accessible way, often with built-in quizzes to confirm understanding before signing.

Can participants revisit the consent form later?

Yes, participants can revisit the consent form at any time within the TrialKit platform. This ongoing access supports transparency and reinforces participant autonomy throughout the trial.

What devices can be used to access eConsent?

eConsent is device-agnostic, meaning it can be accessed via smartphones, tablets, laptops, or desktops. Crucial Data Solutions’ eConsent is fully integrated into the TrialKit platform and optimized for mobile use, making it easy for participants to complete consent remotely.

 How does eConsent benefit study teams?

For research teams, eConsent reduces administrative burden, accelerates recruitment, and improves compliance. Digital audit trails and version tracking help ensure that the most up-to-date consent forms are always in use, while built-in analytics offer insights into participant engagement.

Can eConsent be customized for different studies?

Absolutely. eConsent templates can be tailored to meet the specific needs of a study or population. This includes customizing the language, branding, comprehension checks, and even region-specific regulatory disclosures.

How does eConsent support remote or decentralized trials?

eConsent enables participants to complete the informed consent process from anywhere, which is critical for decentralized clinical trials (DCTs). It eliminates the need for in-person visits, helping broaden access to trials and improving participant diversity.

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