We update our templates and resources regularly. Please download them directly from our website each time you need to use them. This is the only way to ensure you have the current version.

Plain language training

We have developed online plain language course to help you write your participant-facing research materials. You can do the course at your own pace. It will take about two hours to complete.

The course is hosted by A-CTEC and is free for anyone in Australia. Simply create an A-CTEC account to get access.

PICF templates and resources

If your research is multi-site, use the NHMRC templates.

If your research is single-site, use the RCH / MCRI templates.

• Participant PICF - clinical research 
• Parent Guardian PICF - clinical research 
  Participant PICF - survey or interview - written or implied consent 
• Parent Guardian PICF - survey or interview - written or implied consent
  
  
• The Standard Wordings outlines sections of text you can insert into your PICF. 

We are also trialing the new CTIQ plain language templates. If you would like to use them, and provide feedback on them, please contact our office. You can use the CTIQ templates for all types of research, including multi-site and single-site. 

Example participant-facing documents

• Example PICF
• Example child information sheet - this has been developed in line with Easy English principles.
  
• Example letter - implied consent
• Example final letter  also see the Final letter guidelines
• Example final letter with no results - when you have no research results because, for example, your research ended early

Branding

If you are doing research at the RCH or MCRI, you should use the cover sheet with the appropriate branding on it. Where relevant, insert a secondary brand in the right-hand side of the footer. You should only use the cover sheet on the first page of your PICF.

• RCH primary brand / MCRI secondary brand
• MCRI primary brand / RCH secondary brand
• RCH primary brand / space for secondary brand
• MCRI primary brand / space for secondary brand 
  

Template letters

• Opt out letter - for the opt out approach
• Permission to contact form - to get permission to contact the participant about the project
• Record of verbal consent - use this to record the participant's / parent's verbal consent 
• Recruitment letter - send this with a more detailed PICF
• Recruitment letter from a third party- to recruit a participant via a treating clinician, rather than directly through the research team
• School permission form - asking a school principal to give permission for research to be done at their school
• Tracing letter - if you are unsure of a participant's postal address, or if you have not had contact with them for about two years or so, you can send them a tracing letter. The letter complies with privacy legislation by providing limited personal information about the participant. You should send this to the participant before sending them details about the research. 

Plain language writing guides

• RCH Communications Style Guide. You must follow these writing and formatting guidelines when writing for participants
• Plain Language and Good Communication. An excellent guide that shows you how to produce plain language materials for the general public. 
  

Plain language word converters

• Everyday words - online program that gives you plain language alternatives to technical words
• Clinical research glossary - a list of research words and their plain language meanings

Guidelines and procedures

• RCH Informed Consent in Research Procedure 
• RCH final letter guidelines 
• APREG guide on consent in paediatric research
  

Why plain language matters

• The RCH HREC expects that you write for participants in plain language. See the HREC Statement on Plain Language.  
• Reader Friendly Communication. Report on plain language and literacy in Australia. 
• 'The Value of a Well Written PICF' - this information sheet explains why your PICF can help make or break the success of your project. It is based on interviews with researchers and other staff at the RCH