A rapid review of community engagement and informed consent processes for adaptive platform trials and alternative design trials for public health emergencies

What is it?

This is a systematic rapid review published in Wellcome Open Research (2023; 8:194). It analyses evidence on community engagement and informed consent in adaptive platform and alternative design trials conducted during public health emergencies (PHEs) such as Ebola and COVID-19. The review includes 49 publications and guidance documents, highlighting key ethical and communication challenges in explaining complex trial designs under emergency conditions.

How can it be useful?

This review provides guidance for designing ethical engagement and consent processes for adaptive trials in outbreak settings. It summarises practical lessons on early stakeholder involvement, culturally appropriate communication, and clear explanation of adaptive trial features. Overall, it provides evidence-based recommendations for implementing responsive, participant-centred communication in adaptive and rapid-response trials.