The CRB supports performance of quality veterinary clinical trials in client-owned animals that involve informed consent.  According to the NIH, the ideal reading level of a clinical trial consent form is 6^th grade.  The reading level of a document can be determined using several programs.  Microsoft Word is one of these programs, and the “Spelling and Grammar” tool can be used to determine the Flesh-Kincaid Grade Level.

The CRB is not requiring that investigators reach this ideal.  However, we are offering information to help investigators understand readability and improve the consenting process.