| Sumario: | Background: People with intellectual disabilities face significant health disparities and often encounter barriers in accessing healthcare services. Although research supports the need for reasonable adjustments to improve healthcare access for this population, implementation in acute healthcare settings remains limited. Methods: This scoping review was conducted using Arksey and O'Malley's framework. A systematic search was performed across six databases, including MEDLINE and Scopus, to examine recruitment and retention strategies for individuals with intellectual disabilities in randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Results: Out of 78 selected studies, three main themes emerged: recruitment through community and organisational support, tailored communication strategies and relationship‐building approaches to enhance participant engagement. The findings highlight challenges related to ethical concerns, consent processes, gatekeeper access and discrimination. Conclusions: The review emphasises the importance of inclusive strategies in RCTs involving people with intellectual disabilities. It recommends collaborative efforts, targeted training, flexible research protocols, practical support mechanisms, advocacy and dedicated funding to facilitate disability‐specific trials and ensure equitable, evidence‐based healthcare interventions. Summary: Some people with intellectual disability find it hard to take part in research.This can be because: The information is too hard to understand. It is hard to give consent. The research is not easy to join. Some people are not treated fairly.Researchers can do better by: Working with trusted groups like support services and advocacy groups. Using Easy Read, pictures and videos to explain the research. Talking with people in ways that work best for them.It also helps when: People have support from carers or family. Researchers are flexible, like offering online meetings or changing how things are done.To make research better for everyone: More support and money are needed for inclusive research. Researchers should get training on how to work with people with disability. Research rules should be fair and include everyone.
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