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Checklist for Creating Patient Education Materials |
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Document length should be 2 pages or less
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Document font should be 12 point or larger. A serif font, such as Times, is recommended.
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Do not use ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, even in the title of the document
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Avoid acronyms and contractions by spelling out all words
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Use simple, declarative sentences with maximum of 10 to 15 words
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Use simple words with one or two syllables.
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Paragraphs should contain no more than two or three sentences.
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Use words and phrases familiar to the audience.
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Materials should be justified and contain sufficient white space surrounding text with at least one inch margins.
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If a word or phrase needs to be emphasized, use a large font, bold, or underline. Avoid using italics.
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Avoid using too much space between the paragraph headings. The text and title should be in close proximity.
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Information should be written in an active voice rather than a passive voice:
- Passive example: An appointment letter will be sent to you.
- Active example: We will send an appointment letter to you.
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Avoid technical words or jargon. If you must use a technical word, define it by explaining any terms that might be new to the reader.
- Technical example: This medication reduces intra-operative bleeding.
- Non-technical: This medicine will reduce bleeding during the surgery.
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Use strong, vivid verbs. Often, verbs are changed into nouns and adjectives. This makes sentences longer, weaker, and harder to read.
- Verb Example: Mary Garcia was responsible for writing this patient brochure.
- Verb Example: Mary Garcia wrote this patient brochure.
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Avoid too much information for patients to absorb by keeping the message simple.
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Images should be simple without an excess in detail to avoid clutter and confusion.
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Avoid images or illustrations that could be considered culturally insensitive.
- Example: If patients have religious or cultural beliefs such that they would be uncomfortable seeing pictures of body parts unclothed or reading about particular health topics.
- Example: an image of an owl may be considered a bad omen to some tribes
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