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Readability Toolkit
Project to Review and Improve Study Materials (PRISM) is a Group Health
Center for Health Studies initiative to improve the readability of print
materials used in communication with study participants. The PRISM
Readability Toolkit is a comprehensive resource that provides research teams
with tools to help support the creation of study materials that can be
easily read by the average participant.
 Get the
PRISM Readability Toolkit (
ghchs_readability_toolkit.pdf, 740kb ).
Contents of the toolkit include:
- What You Should Know Before Using this Toolkit
Background information on health literacy, plain language, and why both
are important in the research context.
- The Principles of Plain Language An
explanation of the components of plain language, as well as concrete
strategies that support plain language writing.
- How to Determine Reading Level Information
and advice about using readability formulas to rate the approximate
reading level of your materials.
- Quick Reference Guide for Improving Readability
An at-a-glance summary of plain language principles and strategies, plus
other formatting, editing, and proofreading tips.
- Editing Checklist for Participant Materials
A companion to the Quick Reference Guide that guides users through a
systematic process to improve readability, identify unclear concepts, and
eliminate proofreading errors.
- Resources for Informed Consent Documents
Readability advice and resources specifically for consent forms, including
a list of common pitfalls, links to helpful consent templates and
guidelines, and a selection of easy-to-read template language for common
consent topics, such as randomization and voluntary participation.
- Resources for HIPAA Authorization Documents
Links to helpful HIPAA templates and guidelines, along with a brief
selection of easy-to-read HIPAA language.
- Alternative wording suggestions A list of
plain language alternatives for hundreds of words typically used in
medical and research settings and links to online resources that define
medical and research jargon.
- Examples of improved readability Before and
after snapshots of plain language revisions to original text taken from
actual participant materials.
- Examples of improved formatting Techniques
for improving readability through formatting changes are illustrated with
three before and after examples: an advance letter, a consent form, and a
study information sheet. While the focus is on improved formatting, all
three examples also illustrate other plain language techniques.
- Repository of readability resources and references
A clearinghouse of Web-based resources focused on health literacy,
readability, plain language, and informed consent, plus a short
bibliography of articles related to literacy and readability in health
research.
Questions or comments about the toolkit should be sent to:
Jessica Ridpath
Research Communications Coordinator
ridpath.j@ghc.org.
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