Table 7.

Aphasia-friendly consent process

Modify presentation	Schedule sufficient time to complete this process (about ½ hour). Show research participant the consent form. Read it out loud, pointing to text, with participant following along. Read at a slow pace. Include family member in the process. To ensure that consent is participant’s decision and not that of the family member, ask for consent again when family member is not present.
Emphasize and repeat important points	Amount of time the study will take “There may be no direct benefit to you.” “Your participation may help others with aphasia in the future.” Potential side effects “You are free to choose not to be in the study, or to stop being in the study at any time.”
Use supported conversation techniques	On a separate sheet(s) of paper: Write key words. Draw calendar of total time commitment. Draw timeline of procedures; subjects have demonstrated better understanding when this is done during the discussion rather than ahead of time (eg, drawing the schedule rather than having it pre-printed). Use pictograms to illustrate key ideas (eg, potential side effects). Use rating scales and yes/no cards. Verify your understanding of the participant’s intent.
Probe understanding frequently	Ask “do you understand?” following each paragraph. Ask “do you have any questions?” following each topic (eg, “Do you have any questions about the testing?”). Provide rating scales and yes/no cards for participant to use. Repeat and discuss thoroughly, as necessary. In Mr. C’s case, his wife repeated some points, and asked if he understood, in Cantonese.