Hi @donnyboy, great questions to ask. Taking part in a long-term observational study requires careful consideration. What will this mean for me?

Naturally, by participating in such a study, you will be contributing to the advancement of disease management. That's a huge gift. Regular testing and obligations of the study can be both a pro and a con. You will be observed closely, which might provide comfort to some people. However, the obligation of regular check-ins might be onerous too.

I agree that the consent form might make it look more onerous than necessary. Researchers are held to very high ethical standards. This, among other things, requires very detailed consent forms. I can imagine that a 17-page consent form might make you ask yourself "what am I getting into?"

I'm tagging a few members like @johnbishop @Erinmfs @da69 @teababs09 @lagrange5 @loribmt @roch @parrot53 @1942marilyne and many others who have shared their experiences in these related discussions:
- Have you ever taken part in a Mayo Clinic study?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-study/
- I took part in a clinical trial. Have you?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/join-a-study-at-the-nih/
- Anyone participating in the Tapestry DNA Sequencing Research?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-participating-in-the-tapestry-dna-test/
@donnyboy, I encourage you to read the consent form and make a list of questions. The research coordinators will gladly answer your questions and address any concerns you may have about the burden of testing and participation.