Guidance on writing for your patient audience
Writing in plain English or ‘lay’ is important so you can communicate your work to all audiences. This is helpful not only when communicating to patients, but also to other professionals. We've created some advice for you on how to write for your audience.
Who is your audience?
Always consider who you are writing for and why. Sometimes we focus too much on what we want to talk about, when we should focus on what our audience wants to hear. Involving patients in writing your public facing content will help keep it focused on the audience.
When writing for a lay audience it is best to assume they have very little or no prior knowledge of the topic area. You need to provide context, background information and explain any technical terms.
Use these other tips to get the most out of your communications:
Keep it simple
Complicated words can be off putting. Provide context and explain any technical terms. If there is a simpler word that conveys the same meaning, use that.
It is also important not to use acronyms. If it is useful to the patient to learn the acronym, then make sure you explain it.
Keep it short
Aim for sentences to be 20 words or fewer but be sure to have some variety. A mix of long and short sentences will give your writing flow and make it much easier to read. Keep your paragraphs short, sticking to three sentences per paragraph if you can.
Make it inclusive
Use inclusive language that encourages patients to get involved. Use personal pronouns (we, our, you, your) instead of words that distance the reader.
Back it up
Whenever you make a claim it is good practice to back this up with facts.
Separate your ideas
Try and stick to one idea per sentence – and one theme per paragraph.
Active voice
Keep sentences active rather than passive.
Avoid turning verbs into nouns
E.g. preventing cancer (preventing = a verb) instead of cancer prevention (prevention = noun).
Use lists where appropriate
A list of bullet points can help to give instructions or to spread out complex information.
Be economical
Cut out repetitions, long-winded expressions and meaningless words.
Use analogies and images
A simple images, diagrams or examples can bring concepts to life.