This toolkit helps bridge the communication gap between participants and researchers. Good communication supports a respectful and inclusive experience for participants and improves the efficiency of clinical research.
The Beyond the Form Toolkit is designed to support clinical research teams in building strong, compassionate communication with participants throughout their research journey. Inspired by a conversation between CT:IQ’s Director and a former research participant, this toolkit addresses a critical gap in clinical research—going beyond recruitment and consent discussions to foster ongoing, two-way communication that prioritises participants’ mental wellbeing throughout the research project and beyond.
Created through extensive collaboration with participants, sponsors, site teams, and ethics committee members, Beyond the Form is a partnership between CT:IQ and the VCCC Alliance offering evidence-based insights and real-world tools to promote better communication practices in clinical research. Good communication between researchers and participants makes participants feel valued and respected throughout their clinical research journey. Inside, you’ll find high-level guidance, case studies, practical steps for developing communication plans, and links to specialised resources for working with diverse populations, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Beyond the Form empowers research teams to incorporate these strategies into research protocols, enhancing participants' experience, satisfaction, and wellbeing. We invite you to explore this toolkit and take an important step toward more inclusive, respectful, and impactful clinical research.
Using the Toolkit
The information in the Toolkit is divided into four sections, which you can access via the menu bar at the top of the page.
About the Toolkit: information about how the toolkit was developed and links to background resources
High Level Guidance: The high level findings and recommendations from the project, including:
- Guidance for ethics review bodies
- Beyond the Form case studies
Developing a Communications Plan: Guidance for developing your communications plans, including working with Consumers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations.
Elements of a Communication Plan: Practical advice for using common communication methods and materials
Use of this material
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. © CT:IQ 2025
While CT:IQ endeavours to ensure the quality of this publication, it does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or currency of the material included in this publication and will not be liable for any loss or damage arising out of any use of, or reliance on, this publication.