TABLE 7.

Potential advantages and challenges of alternative methods to obtain informed consent from COVID-19 patients.

Obtaining oral consent in the presence of an impartial witness, who signs and dates the IC
(Potential) advantages	(Potential) challenges
• Trustworthy • Ensures impartiality	• Legality • Susceptible to documentation issues • Burdensome
Signing and dating separate IC forms, followed by an appropriately signed and dated IC form as soon as possible
(Potential) advantages	(Potential) challenges
• Pragmatic solution	• Legality • Susceptible to documentation issues • Burdensome
Using validated electronic systems
(Potential) advantages	(Potential) challenges
• Saves patients to visit the research site • Unequivocal documentation and storage of signed consent forms • Information can be provided via multiple media	• Legality • Complex for participants who lack digital literacy • Access to electronic means • Numerous eIC systems are confusing • The setup may place time and logistical demands on the sponsor/study team