Tools for Health Literacy

Plain-Language Checklist for Creating and Reviewing Your Materials

Use this 2-page checklist when creating or reviewing materials.

Guidelines to Effective Print Communication

New to health literacy and plain-language writing? Start here: A Guide to Creating and Evaluating Patient Materials: Guidelines for Effective Print Communication.
MaineHealth developed these guidelines to help health professionals communicate clearly and consistently with patients and families. Call 1-866-609-5183 to request a copy of the booklet.

In this guide, you'll find:

• Key facts about health literacy
• Developing patient education materials: a step-by-step approach
• Checklist to develop and evaluate patient education materials
• Overview of readability

Plain Language Thesaurus

This tool from the CDC Nation Center for Health Marketing lists plain language alternatives for hundreds of common medical terms.

Health Literacy Tool Kit

This tool kit is designed to take a systematic approach towards reducing confusion around medical care and increase health outcomes through clear communication.

Teach-back Learning Module

This interactive teach-back learning module helps providers learn how to use the teach-back method with patients to confirm understanding.