# Modifications to consent documentation with adults with communication disorders following brain injury: An exploratory study

## TL;DR

This study explores ways to make consent forms more accessible for adults with communication disorders after brain injury.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific modifications to consent documentation for neurogenic communication disorders.

## Key findings

- Participants preferred simplified vocabulary and reduced text in consent forms.
- Interactive presentation and carefully selected images were found helpful.
- The study proposes refined guidelines for inclusive consent processes.

## Abstract

Consent documentation for research studies is often inaccessible to people with neurogenic communication disorders following brain injury and there is limited literature on specific modifications for informed consent. This exploratory study aimed to identify effective strategies and modifications to consent processes for adults with brain injury. Using a fictitious research study, we developed a set of Participant Information Sheets (PISs) varying in complexity, presentation format, and communication modality. Evaluations were conducted with eight participants. Findings indicated diverse participant preferences for PIS modifications, suggesting simplified vocabulary, reduced text, carefully selected images, and an interactive presentation modality as helpful strategies. Building on previous literature, we present refined guidelines for consent modifications for adults with neurogenic communication disorder after brain injury. These guidelines can promote more appropriate inclusion of communicatively impaired populations in research and assist ethics committees and researchers in preparing modified consent documents.