Which of the following is a responsibility of an investigator in a clinical trial?

One of the key responsibilities of an investigator in a clinical trial is ensuring that informed consent is obtained from all participants. This process is critical as it involves informing potential participants of the purpose, procedures, risks, and potential benefits of the study. The investigator must ensure that participants understand this information and voluntarily agree to take part in the trial. This ethical obligation protects the rights and welfare of the participants and is a fundamental principle of conducting research with human subjects. The informed consent process must be conducted prior to enrollment and should be revisited throughout the trial as necessary to ensure ongoing understanding and agreement from the participants.

Other responsibilities, such as managing budgets or marketing the trial, fall outside the direct purview of the investigator and often involve other roles in the research team or institution. Setting trial approval timelines is typically handled by regulatory bodies or study sponsors rather than the investigator directly. Thus, the focus of the investigator's role emphasizes patient safety and ethical considerations, making the process of obtaining informed consent a fundamental aspect of their responsibilities.