01 — Health literacy
From expert information to patient action
Reconstructed example · real method
Health literacyPatient safetyContent designOne leaflet, three passes
Zentravil 70 mg tablets (fictional)
Administration
Zentravil is a bisphosphonate-class agent indicated for the management of reduced bone mineral density. Absorption is significantly impaired in the presence of food, beverages (other than plain water), and concomitant medications; therefore, administration should occur following an overnight fast. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a full glass (approximately 200 mL) of plain water. Patients should remain upright (seated or standing) and refrain from consuming food, beverages, or other oral medicinal products for a minimum of 30 minutes post-dose to reduce the risk of oesophageal irritation and optimise bioavailability. In the event of a missed dose, the tablet should be taken the following morning, and the original weekly schedule resumed thereafter.
Same information. Different person.
A made-up explanation of a research study, written for three different readers. The facts don't change.
Taking part in a research study
A research study tests whether a new treatment is safe and whether it works.
Taking part is your choice. If you agree, you can still stop at any time without giving a reason. Your usual care will not change.
What you would do
- 4 clinic visits over 12 weeks
- A short blood test at each visit
Your information is kept confidential. Results are only shared without your name.
- Vocabulary
- Plain, but adult terms: 'treatment', 'confidential'.
- Assumed knowledge
- Knows what a clinic visit and blood test involve.
- Explanation
- Purpose stated once, precisely.
- Structure
- Short paragraphs, then a list of commitments.
- Tone
- Neutral and direct.
The programme, not just the page
Rewriting for different readers is the starting point. The bigger job is building a system that produces that quality every time, and checking how it compares with what other companies do.
Medicine information template · reusable
Core action
Take it first thing in the morning, before you eat or drink anything.
Timing
Once a week, on the same day each week.
Why it matters
Food and other medicines stop it working. Lying down can irritate your food pipe.
Missed dose
Take it the next morning. Then go back to your usual day.
Key side effects
Stomach pain or heartburn? Call your pharmacist.