It's so easy -- and so dangerous -- to get confused
By definition, patient information is given to patients -- that is, people who are not in the best health. Often, they must make sense of this material when they are feeling just awful. They may be recovering from a recent illness or operation. They may have just been told they must undergo some unpleasant procedure, or they may have received some disturbing news about their health. One way or another, they may not really be paying attention.
On their own
In many cases, these patients are given some written instructions about how to take their medication, manage their incision, prepare for their upcoming procedure or whatever -- and then they're on their own. It's no-one's fault. That's just how things are sometimes in this world of resource shortages.
Keep it truly simple
In this environment, patient material had better be clear, friendly and easy-to-follow! Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Some patient information contains highly technical terms, and hard-to-understand instructions. For instance:
"Watch for signs of infection."
What signs exactly? What should I do if I see them?
Or how about this (taken from an actual patient instruction sheet):
Your skin has been sutured with a dissolving intradermal suture.
So? What does this mean? Why should I care? Help!
So how to ensure material is accessible? Personally, I worship the KISS principle and suggest the heavy use of graphics -- pictures, illustrations or photos.
Here's a quick checklist:
- Aim at a grade six or lower comprehension level
- Assume the reader (viewer) has zero science background
- Use short simple sentences
- Choose short words and construct short paragraphs
- Explain any technical words you really can't avoid
- Take a friendly, conversational tone
- Use graphics to help get key concepts across.
- Keep it simple!
For an example of patient information, check out So you're having an endoscopy?