A computer-based education intervention to enhance surrogates' informed consent for genomics research.

Background: Many research studies conducted today in critical care have a genomics component. Patients' surrogates asked to authorize participation in genomics research for a loved one in the intensive care unit may not be prepared to make informed decisions about a patient's participation in the research.

Objectives: To examine the effectiveness of a new, computer-based education module on surrogates' understanding of the process of informed consent for genomics research.

Surrogate consent for genomics research in intensive care.

Surrogate decision makers may be poorly prepared to give informed consent for genomics research for their loved ones in intensive care. A review of the challenges and strategies associated with obtaining surrogates' consent for genomics research in intensive care patients revealed that few well-controlled studies have been done on this topic. Yet, a major theme in the literature is the role of health care professionals in guiding surrogates through the informed consent process rather than simply witnessing a signature.