Exploring the Readability of Consent Forms in Human Research in the United States Army
Abstract
Informed consent documents used in human subject research within the United States Army appear increasingly complex and lengthy and are rife with medical and legal terminology. It becomes difficult to discern whether the intent of consent forms is to inform the patient or protect the researcher and organization from litigation. A literature review highlighted two observations: (1) consistently, every article published about consent forms concluded that these documents were too complex for the lay person; and (2) there is a gap in the literature concerning the readability of consent forms in military protocols. Using a 1997 study conducted by Mader and Playe (n = 94) as a foundation, this study evaluated the readability of consent forms (n = 60) in human research performed within the U.S. Army. Studying the effects of 10 dependent variables based on 2 levels of risk (minimal risk and greater than minimal risk), the author found significance across 5 of the 10 variables with Army consent forms (p < .01). The results demonstrate that the readability of consent forms within the U.S. Army is too complex for the average reader. A readability standard of the sixth-grade level would better serve the interests of participants in human subject research.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA444052
Entities
People
- Heidi P. Mon