‘Give people more time and take the time to explain things properly’: cervical screening experiences of people with intellectual disability

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.