Plain language: a strategic response to the health literacy challenge.

Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 8006508 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0197-5897 (Print) Linking ISSN: 01975897 NLM ISO Abbreviation: J Public Health Policy Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: 2005- : Basingstoke, England : Palgrave Macmillan
Original Publication: [Burlington, Vt., Journal of Public Health Policy, inc.]

Communication* ; Health Education* ; International Cooperation* ; Language*; Health Policy/*trends; Humans ; National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, U.S., Health and Medicine Division ; United States ; United States Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality

Low health literacy is a major challenge confronting American and international health organizations. Research in the past decade has documented the prevalence of limited literacy and limited health literacy skills among adults worldwide. This creates a major policy challenge: how to create text-based health information - a common method of health communication - that is accessible to the public. Plain language is a logical, flexible response. While touted by American, Canadian, and European health policy makers, adoption and promotion of plain language standards and skills in health-focused organizations have lagged. Most text-based health information continues to be too hard for most adults to read. Barriers to more rapid diffusion of plain language are reflected in a set of myths perpetuated by critics. These myths are identified and refuted. While plain language is only one of many broad-based solutions needed to address low health literacy, the benefits to everyone demand increased use by health organizations.

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Date Created: 20070317 Date Completed: 20070426 Latest Revision: 20220408

20240104

10.1057/palgrave.jphp.3200102

17363939