Health Literacy - Guidelines for Selecting and Writing Easy-to-Read Materials

This module discusses the use of plain language to help professionals clearly write understandable health education materials.  Using information from the 2003 National Assessment of Adult Literacy, we can estimate that 90 million Americans have Below Basic and Basic literacy skills and struggle in their ability to read and understand health information. However, we also know that even individuals with higher literacy levels find health information difficult to read because of unfamiliarity with health concepts and medical jargon. Therefore, even well-educated persons prefer easy-to-read health information. Misunderstanding health information greatly impacts a person's adherence with treatment and increases one's risk for complications.

Objectives:

Participants who complete this module will be able to:

1. Define plain language and why it is important when writing health materials.
2. Describe factors to consider when determining your reader's wants and needs.
3. Describe how to set objectives and determine essential content when writing health materials.
4. Identify the key elements of using a plain language writing style.
5. Describe how to effectively organize written material so it is easy-to-read.
6. Identify design elements that are integral to easy-to-read materials.

Note: If you need assistance accessing this course, have a disability that requires digitally accessible accommodations, or would like to request a digitally accessible course completion certificate, please email ScarletCanvasMedEd@osumc.edu or call 614-366-0943. We will respond to your request within two business days.