Writing for everyone

Understanding healthcare communication can be hard for anyone, especially for those who don’t read well. When writing for a broad consumer audience, make these readers a priority. Here’s how you can do that.

Set your target reading level in the range of grades 6 to 8, based on your knowledge of your community.

Adapt your writing. Keep words, sentences and paragraphs short. Use subheads, bullets and bold type to organize content and break up text.

Measure readability with a tool like the Flesch-Kincaid grade level test. If the text ends up higher than your target level, go back and make adjustments until it meets the goal.

Even readers who comprehend complex text prefer that healthcare communication be straightforward. So writing for a broad audience benefits readers at all levels, making your message more accessible and actionable for everyone.

4 tips for more inclusive writing

1. Gender and sex: Consider context (and reconsider pronouns). When distinguishing based on sex isn’t necessary, replace binary terms like “men and women” with gender-neutral terms like “people” or “adults.”

   When distinction is needed, use phrasing such as “people with cervixes” or “people with prostate glands” over “women” or “men.” Why? Nonbinary and transgender folks also need these healthcare services.

   Embrace the singular “they/them” and drop the awkward “he/she.”

2. Race/ethnicity: Think relevance. Only mention race or ethnicity when it’s helpful—in promoting a health screening that is important based on race, for example. And don’t blame groups for how health inequities affect them.
3. Don’t be an accidental ageist. Expressions like “senior moment” reflect negative stereotypes about older people. Be wary of biased statements about young people too. Don’t call them selfish or naïve. Use language that assumes the best and allows for breadth in humanity.
4. Check your assumptions. Don’t assume extra pounds or missing limbs make someone unhealthy or unhappy by default. Avoid ableism, which defines people by their disability and assumes they need “fixing.” Focus on healthy habits that are good for everyone. That’s a positive message—more inclusive and more helpful.