‘Give People More Time and Take the Time to Explain Things Properly’: Cervical Screening Experiences of People With Intellectual Disability
ABSTRACT
Background
People with intellectual disability have 70% lower cervical screening participation rates. Limited research has captured their experiences, particularly in Australia.
Methods
This qualitative study used inclusive co‐production and trauma‐informed approaches. Eleven people with intellectual disability (aged 26–65) from New South Wales participated in semi‐structured interviews and arts‐based body mapping, analysed using reflective thematic analysis.
Findings
Four themes emerged: (1) healthcare interactions ranged from empowering to traumatic, with communication failures and rushed procedures; (2) tensions around informed consent and support roles; (3) gaps in accessible information and systematic reminders and (4) how past trauma and competing health priorities influenced screening. Participants recommended Easy Read materials, adequate appointment time, trauma‐informed care and genuine choice in healthcare decisions.
Conclusions
Women with intellectual disability encounter systematic barriers to cervical screening encompassing communication failures, inadequate consent and lack of trauma‐informed care. Their recommendations provide actionable solutions for healthcare reform.