Readability toolkit
Program for Readability In Science & Medicine* (PRISM) is a Group Health Research Institute initiative to improve the readability of print materials used in communication with study participants. PRISM includes an editing service, a customizable training workshop, and a readability toolkit (see below). For more information about PRISM editing and training services, please see our flier or e-mail us at PRISM@ghc.org.
The PRISM Readability Toolkit is a comprehensive resource that shows research teams how to create consent forms and other participant materials in plain language.
Get the PRISM Readability Toolkit [ PDF, 496KB ].
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.
Additional resources:
View our video
Learn about plain language for health care from Jessica Ridpath. (3 minutes, YouTube. Also available at ghcnews.org.) 
Get the Group Health Plain Language Network poster (PDF, 1.46MB)
* PRISM began in 2005 as a short-term, internal training initiative—the "Project to Review and Improve Study Materials." It has since evolved into a suite of plain language services and resources tailored for the research community.