Library: HSC434: Health Literacy: Designing Health-Related Educational Materials

Selected Resources

Web Resources

Images, Graphics, Pictograms

Please note: it is important to use copyright free images so that you don't inadvertently commit plagiarism. And even if copyright free, you must still cite your images. See the box in the left-hand column for examples of citations for images/media.

Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit, 2d ed.
To write or orally communicate health-related information simply, see Tools #4 and #11 for guidelines. Tool #11 also contains links and advice for using plain language and images.
American Dietetic Association
Pictograms and plain language available to advise on how to write nutritional or dietary advice in simple language. Other resources available at the bottom of the page.
Health Literacy (CDC)
On homepage, select “Develop & Test” – this has links to plain language resources, as well as 5-6 websites that allow you to use their images.
U.S. Pharmacopeia (Library of Pictograms)
Downloadable library bank of pictograms that demonstrates medication instructions, warnings, or precautions for patients.

Written and Oral Communication Design

Clear Communication (National Institutes of Health)
“Clear & Simple” campaign has several resources related to writing health-related educational materials, adhering to CLAS standards (including how to access translation services).
Health Literacy Fact Sheets (Center for Health Care Strategies, Inc)
Scroll down and select fact sheets for “Improving Print Communication to Promote Health Literacy” and “Improving Oral Communication to Promote Health Literacy”
Health Literacy Studies (Harvard School of Public Health)
On the left-side toolbar, click “Practice: Strategies and Tools,” then click “Materials” – there are links for “Assessing Materials” and “Developing Materials”
Literacy Information and Communication System
Underneath “Find LINCS Resource Collection” – click “Health Literacy” from the drop-down box to find a list of resources for writing materials related to health literacy.
National Center for Cultural Competence
On the left side bar, underneath “NCCC Resources & Publications” click “By Type” and look for “Guides and Planning Tools”
National Center for Families Learning Healthy Family Habits
Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
See the portion on “Health Literacy Online” and the steps to create health literacy content in a web-based format.
Plain Language (National Institutes of Health)
The Plain Language Initiative – contains resources on writing plain language documents, particularly pertaining to health literacy topics.
Simply Put (CDC)
A plain language resource guide
Quick Guide to Health Literacy and Older Adults (U.S. Department of Health & Human Services)
**Excellent resource!!** Has information on how to adapt educational material for older adults, as well as those with visual impairments, hearing impairments, and cognitive challenges
Virginia Adult ESOL Health Literacy Toolkit
See resources available on health literacy; some advice includes instruction on plain language

How to use this page

The websites in the Selected Resources box provide additional information about creating and designing effective health-related educational material. These links include tips and strategies for creating a professional presentation and design, guidelines for using plain language and writing at an appropriate literacy level, and free libraries of images that can be included in your assignments.

Citation Help

In addition to the APA citation help on the Finding peer-reviewed articles page, please see these guides for examples of citing websites, organizations and images.

APA Tip Sheet Guidelines for APA in-text citations and references.
APA Multimedia Tip Sheet Examples for citing videos, images, etc.