Easy Read and Health Related Knowledge
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Comparing understanding of Health related knowledge following Easy Read alone or Easy Read with additional support in adults with intellectual disabilities
IRAS ID
186668
Contact name
J Carl Hughes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Bangor University
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 4 months, 18 days
Research summary
All public sector services have a legal duty to provide reasonable adjustments for people with intellectual (learning) disabilities in order to ensure equal access to services (Equality Act, 2010). The provision of “Easy Read”can make a service accessible by providing clear information. “Easy Read” does not mean summarising or removing content but adapting the text so that it is easier to read and understand. “Easy Read” information has simpler vocabulary and grammar lowering the ‘readability level’ (using shorter sentences, containing fewer syllables), larger font, short paragraphs to separate important points and uses pictorial symbols.
There is a lack of “Easy Read” materials for people with intellectual disabilities concerning their health. This not only affects their ability to consent to treatment and investigations, but also their understanding of health related information. Furthermore, There is scarce research evidence examining whether “Easy Read” information actually improves the comprehension of health-related information for people with intellectual disabilities. The little evidence that does exist evaluating “Easy Read” materials has provided mixed results.
Therefore, the overall aim of this research will be to evaluate the efficacy of “Easy Read” materials. Eligible participants will be individuals with intellectual disabilities above the age of 18. All participants will need the capacity to consent, as defined by the Mental Capacity Act (2005). The participants will be recruited through links with Mencap Cymru, third sector organisations, self-advocacy groups and Further Education establishments. The research will span 3 sessions over 30 days. Each session will last between an hour and two hours. Participants will be required to read two samples of “Easy Read” materials, one with and one without support from a nominated individual. The research will evaluate whether appropriate support from others increases the understanding an individual with intellectual disabilities, has of “Easy Read” materials.
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
15/WA/0301
Date of REC Opinion
24 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion