CEO
A patient’s health information only works if they can understand it. In an industry full of complex terminology, dense documentation, and fast-paced communication, many patients, particularly those with limited health literacy, struggle to comprehend vital health information.
According to the National Assessment of Adult Literacy, nearly one in three adults in the United States has difficulty understanding and using health-related materials. This communication gap can lead to serious consequences, including medication errors, poor disease management, and increased hospital readmissions.
Why Plain Language Matters in Healthcare
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommend that healthcare materials be written at or below a 6th-grade reading level to ensure they are understandable by the broadest audience.
Key Benefits of Plain Language in Healthcare:
Clear instructions help patients take medications correctly and on time.
Patients are less likely to misinterpret their diagnoses or treatment plans.
When people understand their health, they are more confident and involved in their care.
Patients who understand discharge instructions are less likely to return due to avoidable complications.
Plain language helps level the playing field for populations with lower literacy levels or limited English proficiency.
Why Plain Language Matters in Healthcare
Aim for 15 words or fewer Example: "Take one pill daily."
Use “high blood pressure” instead of “hypertension.”
“Call your doctor if you feel dizzy,” not “If dizziness is experienced, a doctor should be contacted.”
“A birth condition (congenital) means the baby is born with it.”
Use bulleted lists, headings, white space, and visual cues to guide the reader.
How Providers and Organizations Can Integrate Plain Language
Incorporating plain language into healthcare materials is not just good practice, it’s essential for compliance with federal recommendations and for fostering accessible, patient-centered care. Here are some steps providers and health organizations can take:
1. Train staff in plain language principles
2. Use readability tools like Fry Readability, SMOG, or Flesch-Kincaid to test materials
3. Engage plain language professionals to revise or create patient documents
4. Adapt materials for cultural relevance, especially when translating into other languages
5. Ask patients if the information makes sense and is easy to follow.
Top Resources for Plain Language in Healthcare
For those interested in learning more or improving their healthcare communications, the following organizations offer valuable tools, guidelines, and expertise:
https://www.cdc.gov/ccindex
A research-based tool to develop and assess public communication materials.
https://health.gov/healthliteracyonline
A practical guide for creating easy-to-use digital health information.
https://www.plainlanguage.gov
The official plain language resource site for federal agencies.
https://www.iha4health.org
Offers resources and conferences focused on health literacy.
https://health.gov/our-work/national-health-initiatives/health-literacy
https://preciselanguages.com/
Specializes in culturally adapted, plain-language healthcare translations in multiple languages.