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Communication. Clarity begins at home
1North West Anglia Health Authority, UK.
The Health Service Journal
|February 10, 1998
Summary
The National Health Service (NHS) needs to simplify its language for better public understanding. Patient information must be clear and accessible, especially when sourced from popular media like tabloids.
Area of Science:
- Health Communication
- Public Health Policy
Background:
- The National Health Service (NHS) faces persistent criticism for its use of complex language.
- Public access to health information is often hindered by jargon and overly technical terms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the critical need for plain English in NHS communication.
- To emphasize the importance of patient involvement in creating accessible health information.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of current NHS communication practices.
- Comparison of health information with popular media readability standards (e.g., tabloid sentences).
Main Results:
- NHS communication frequently fails to meet basic readability standards.
- Tabloid newspapers often use shorter, more accessible sentences.
Conclusions:
- Patient information leaflets require simplification and patient input for clarity.
- Public engagement initiatives by the government are undermined by incomprehensible briefing materials.