Patient education accessibility

Abstract

Patient education that overcomes literacy barriers supports quality care. This article provides an overview of health literacy, describes the concepts of readability and accessibility, and discusses how to empathise with the patient's experience and ask interactive questions. The tips in this article are based on a learner-centred approach and 20 years of publishing X-Plain^® patient education tutorials. This information should help health content writers facilitate patient comprehension, improve health outcomes, and achieve care goals set by healthcare providers.

Keywords:

• Patient education
• Patient engagement
• Accessibility
• Health literacy
• Readability

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stella Hart

Stella Hart joined the Patient Education Institute as a medical editor in January 2013. She received a bachelor's degree in English and music from Drake University in Des Moines, IA, USA in 2011.