US Medical Term · clinical
Protocol
Protocolo
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Protocol |
| Spanish (Español) | Protocolo |
| Chinese (中文) | 研究方案 |
| Korean (한국어) | 연구 프로토콜 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Giao thức Nghiên cứu |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Protokol ng Pananaliksik |
| Portuguese (Português) | Protocolo |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | โปรโตคอลการวิจัย |
| Japanese (日本語) | 研究プロトコル |
What it means
In clinical research, a protocol is the detailed written plan governing how a study is designed and conducted. It specifies the study's scientific question, participant eligibility criteria, dosing schedules, required tests, safety monitoring procedures, and data collection methods. The protocol must be approved by an Institutional Review Board before the study begins. As a participant, you are entitled to a plain-language summary of the protocol. Any changes made after enrollment must go through a formal amendment process and typically require participants to re-consent before continuing.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
PROH-tuh-kol
protocolo
Also called 'study protocol' or 'research protocol'
También llamado 'protocolo de estudio' o 'protocolo de investigación'
Consent forms state: 'As described in the protocol, you will receive...'
'Como se describe en el protocolo, usted recibirá...'
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026