We can develop clear, relevant, and useful content that helps people live healthier and get the healthcare they need. And doing this helps you engage and keep your audience(s).
Here are 6 ways to simplify content on complex medical topics.
1. Write magnetic headlines and captivating subheads.
Grab your audience’s attention with a magnetic headline. Describe how people will benefit by reading the content or make them curious enough to read it. Use captivating subheads to convey key messages and let people know what the next section is about.
2. Keep it simple.
Use simple language that most people understand and feel comfortable with. When you need to use medical terms, use the lay version, like “high blood pressure” instead of “hypertension.” If you must use medical terms that people probably don’t know, then explain them as simply as possible.
3. Be concise.
Tell people only what they most need to know. Write short sentences, short paragraphs, and short sections. Don’t use unnecessary words. They waste people’s time and make it harder for them to understand your content.
4. Make content scannable.
Bulleted or numbered lists, call-outs, and infographics all make content easier to scan and understand. Use call-outs of data, quotes, or other key information to help people understand what is most important. Q&As are another way to make content scannable and easy to understand.
5. Be conversational.
Write like you’re talking to a friend or a neighbor. Refer to your audience as “you,” unless this is not appropriate for the type of content. Use verbs to make your content more interesting and more useful.
6. Use the active voice.
Simplify complex medical content by using the active voice. Also, the active voice helps you keep sentences short and avoid using unnecessary words.
Learn More About Simplifying Medical Content
CDC. Talking Points About Health Literacy.
plainlanguage.gov. Plain Language in Healthcare.
plainlanguage.gov. Federal plain language guidelines
