What does it mean to return aggregate results to study participants? (for all PCORI-Funded Researchers)

Returning results refers to the practice of informing study participants about the aggregate findings of the research study they participated in.  Aggregate results are the overall findings from a study – results and conclusions – as distinct from individual, patient-specific results (e.g., lab results) obtained as part of the study.  Returning aggregate research results to trial participants fulfills an ethical responsibility to research participants in informing them of trial findings. ​ 

For additional information, please email ResultsReturn@pcori.org with any questions.