Informed consent is primarily concerned with which aspect?

Informed consent is primarily concerned with voluntariness because it emphasizes that individuals must freely choose to participate in research or medical procedures without any coercion or undue influence. This means that consent should be given based on an individual's own decision-making capabilities, ensuring they fully understand what they are agreeing to and that they do so without pressure from external sources.

Although understanding, confidentiality, and documentation are important elements of the informed consent process, the foundational principle lies in the ability of a person to make a voluntary and autonomous choice. If participants do not feel free to consent or withdraw, their consent loses its ethical validity. By prioritizing voluntariness, the informed consent process protects the rights and dignity of individuals involved in research or clinical practices.