Using Plain Language to Communicate Health Information

On-Demand Webinar

NOTE: Large files will take more time to download.

• Webinar recording: Health Literacy and the Web (WMV, 44 MB, 90 minutes, November 2011)
• Presentation slides: Health Literacy and the Web (PDF, 2.2 MB, 33 pages, November 2011)
• Transcript: Health Literacy and the Web (PDF, 75 KB, 13 pages, November 2011)

Description

We know that Americans are going online for health information. We also know that nearly 9 in 10 adults struggle with health literacy.

Health literacy—how well people can understand and use health information—ensures that health information and services can be accessed, understood, and used by people in their daily lives. Many hard-to-change factors, such as education, language, and age, affect health literacy. But we can change how we communicate health information.

What You'll Learn

• Techniques for applying plain language 
• Usability techniques and best practices to improve health websites.
• Common pitfalls to avoid
• Audience considerations to bear in mind
• The future of health literacy

About the Presenter

Stacy Robison, MPH, MCHES, is the president and co-founder of CommunicateHealth. Currently she oversees plain language content development for the award-winning websites healthfinder.gov and HealthyPeople.gov.

Stacy has created many health literacy tools and resources for health professionals, including Health Literacy Online: A Guide to Writing and Designing Easy-to-Use Health Web Sites. She has also served as co-editor of the HHS Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy.

Content Lead: DigitalGov University Team
Page Reviewed/Updated: May 17, 2012