People are “participants” in research

In an article published in 1995 3 I suggested that medical researchers would do well to follow the example set by the British Psychological Society. 4 After noting that psychologists owe a debt to those who agree to take part in their studies, who therefore deserve to be treated with the highest standards of consideration and respect, the society recommended that the term "subject" should be abandoned and replaced by "participant." Apr 1, 1999 EDITOR-The BMJ's decision to use the term "participant" instead of "subject" for a patient taking part in a clinical trial is well intentioned but may cause confusion. 1 I am currently writing about a multinational trial involving over 7000 patients, 800 clinical investigators, 40 clinical monitors, 6 regional coordinators, 6 members of the steering committee, and many other staff in local and regional centres and at the trial headquarters.