Developing easy-to-read educational materials to raise awareness of the importance of participation in clinical research among older adults

Background: Recruitment and retention of diverse participants in clinical trials and studies is a known challenge. It is important for clinical trials to have participants of different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities. When clinical trials include diverse participants, the study results may have a much wider applicability. Researchers need the participation of older people in their clinical trials so that scientists can learn more about how new drugs will work for older people. In addition, many older people have special health needs that are different from those of younger people. Educational materials, such as easy-to-read booklets and infographics, can inform lay audiences about the importance of participating in clinical trials and studies.

Program background: As part of its mission, the National Institute on Aging (NIA) of the National Institutes of Health disseminates information about aging and advances in research to the public, health care professionals, and the scientific community, among a variety of audiences. The NIA crafts and delivers messages and materials based on research to understand how various audiences perceive and react to health messages, how the public is persuaded to change behavior, and how people in general, and older adults in particular, respond to various media.

Evaluation Methods and Results: The NIA makes available health information and reports of research activities and findings on the NIA website and through other communications channels such as mobile applications, YouTube and social media. The website serves as NIA's information hub for the public, researchers, health professionals, media, advocates, and policymakers interested in health, aging and research. The NIA provides print materials for older adults without access to digital and online resources, at the same time employing responsive design and web analytics to enhance and expand use of new technologies for health information as older adults become increasingly adept at using digital and online resources.

Conclusions: Developing evidence-based materials for special audiences and diverse populations, including non-English language materials and materials for people with limited literacy, can increase awareness and promote adoption of evidence-based strategies to improve the health and quality of life of older adults. Materials such as easy-to-read booklets and infographics can help raise public awareness of clinical trials and studies and the importance of participation among targeted populations such as older adults.

Implications for research and/or practice: Communication efforts play a critical role in educating the public about research advances to improve health and well-being in later life. Health communication activities can increase the public's awareness of a specific aging issue, problem, or solution; reinforce certain knowledge, attitudes, or health behaviors; dispel misconceptions about aging; and encourage individual or collective action. Health education programs, activities, and materials can also inform, influence, and motivate the public.