Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) Certified Professional Practice Exam

What does ICF stand for in clinical research contexts?

1. Informed Consent Form

2. Investigative Clinical Framework

3. International Compliance Framework

4. Initial Care Form

The correct answer is: Informed Consent Form

In clinical research contexts, ICF stands for Informed Consent Form. This document is a critical part of the process when conducting clinical trials, as it represents the agreement between the researcher and the participant. The Informed Consent Form serves to ensure that participants are fully aware of the nature, purpose, risks, benefits, and procedures involved in the study before they decide to participate. It is designed to protect the rights and welfare of participants by providing them with comprehensive information, enabling them to make an informed decision about their involvement. The importance of the Informed Consent Form cannot be overstated, as it is not only a ethical obligation but also a legal requirement in many jurisdictions. By ensuring that participants are well-informed, researchers uphold principles of respect for persons, beneficence, and justice, which are foundational to ethical research practices. Other options, while potentially relevant in various contexts, do not accurately define the acronym ICF within the realm of clinical research. For instance, "Investigative Clinical Framework" and "International Compliance Framework" suggest theoretical models or regulatory guidelines but lack the direct application to participant engagement that the Informed Consent Form embodies. Similarly, "Initial Care Form" does not capture the essence of informed consent as it does not pertain specifically to