Goal: Show how plain language in healthcare improves understanding, safety, trust, and equity, and provide practical ways for providers to apply it in patient communication.
Clear communication in healthcare is literally life-saving. Misunderstood medical instructions, unclear prescriptions, or confusing consent forms can lead to dangerous mistakes, poor health outcomes, or unnecessary stress for patients and families.
Why plain language matters in healthcare
- Improves patient understanding. When people clearly understand their diagnosis, treatment plan, or medication instructions, they are more likely to follow recommendations.
- Increases safety. Clear warnings and instructions help prevent errors in medication, treatments, or follow-up care.
- Reduces anxiety and builds trust. When healthcare professionals communicate clearly, patients feel more confident and respected.
- Improves equity. Many patients have limited health literacy or face language barriers; plain language makes healthcare more accessible to everyone.
Examples
Plain language helps to:
- Clearly formulate discharge instructions after a hospital visit
- Create understandable consent forms for surgery or other procedures
- Write patient education leaflets on various conditions
- Promote COVID-19 guidelines and vaccine information
- Write medication labels and packaging
Practical tips for healthcare providers
Use simple, everyday words (“high blood pressure” instead of “hypertension”).
- Explain why something is important, not just what to do.
- Use visual aids (pictures, diagrams) to reinforce understanding.
- Ask patients to “teach back” the information in their own words to confirm understanding.
Reflection prompt
- Why is plain language essential in healthcare, and how does it contribute to patient safety and trust?
- In which healthcare situations or materials can plain language make a significant difference, and what are some practical ways providers can apply it?
