Program for Readability In Science & Medicine (PRISM)
NEW! PRISM Online Training—a free Web-based plain language training workshop
Program for Readability In Science & Medicine* (PRISM) is a Group Health Research Institute initiative to improve the readability of consent forms and other print materials for study participants. Inspired by health literacy concerns in the research environment, PRISM's goal is to bring plain language training and other resources to researchers nationwide:
We promote health literacy, plain language, and readability through:
- The PRISM Readability Toolkit
- Plain language editing and consultation
- Online and in-person plain language training
The PRISM Readability Toolkit
A free, 81-page plain language handbook for researchers illustrating why health literacy is important and how to improve the readability of consent forms and other participant materials. Contents include:
- Plain language principles and strategies
- Quick reference guide and editing checklist
- Plain language alternatives to complex terms
- Easy-to-read template language for consent forms and HIPAA authorizations
- Links to helpful readability resources
Get the PRISM Readability Toolkit (PDF, 888 KB).
Plain Language Editing & Consultation
PRISM editing supports health literacy by transforming consent forms and other complex health or research information into plain language. Our goal is to create reader-friendly documents that are clear, appealing, and well organized—and that achieve a target reading level of 8th grade or below.
Fee-for-service readability editing or consultation for external research teams is available. For more information, e-mail us at prism@ghc.org.
Plain Language Training
- PRISM Online Training is an hour-long, Web-based plain language tutorial created for research professionals, including scientists, research staff, Institutional Review Boards (IRBs), or communications staff. It covers health literacy and readability, plain language strategies and examples, and interactive editing examples and exercises. Access the course for free at http://prism.grouphealthresearch.org.
- PRISM In-Person Workshops are hands-on health literacy and plain language training sessions tailored to fit diverse settings—including public health and patient education. All participants do in-class editing and get feedback from the instructor. Take-home tools are provided. Learn more about in-person readability training by contacting us at prism@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.