Medical plain-English editing: accessible healthcare information for everyone

This post is the first of two articles about plain English. The second article gives several examples of how plain-English editing can be applied to medical writing to make it clearer and simpler.

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Medical jargon and complex terminology often create barriers, leaving many people confused and struggling to understand the underlying message. This is where medical plain-English editing comes in. By transforming complex medical speak into clear, everyday language, we can make crucial health info accessible to everyone: patients, the general public and non-specialists alike. Using plain and clear writing ensures that vital healthcare information is accessible to everyone: patients, the general public and non-specialists. Join me as we explore why medical plain-English editing is so important and how it revolutionises healthcare communication.

The challenges of medical jargon

Let's face it, medical terminology can be mind-boggling for those of us without a medical degree. Terms such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), metastasis (spread of cancer) and idiopathic (unknown cause) can seem like a whole other language. This specialist lingo can confuse and even intimidate readers, leading to misunderstandings and misinformation.

What is plain-English editing?

Plain-English editing is all about making sure the reader can easily understand and absorb the information presented. It’s about bridging the gap between medical professionals and the general public by converting complex medical language into straightforward, relatable content. Here’s how it works:

• Simplifying language:  The main goal is to turn tricky medical terms into plain language. This might mean swapping out jargon for simpler words, using active verbs, and crafting shorter sentences.
  

• Organising information: A good plain-English editor will make sure the content flows logically. This could involve breaking down complex procedures into step-by-step guides, using bullet points for clarity, and adding headings to highlight key points.

• Eliminating ambiguity: Vague language can lead to big misunderstandings. Plain-English editing seeks out and removes any unclear phrasing, ensuring the message is crystal clear.

• Maintaining accuracy: Simplifying doesn’t mean dumbing down. Editors work closely with medical experts to make sure the information stays accurate and scientifically sound while being accessible to everyone.

Benefits of plain-English editing

So, why should we care about plain-English editing? Here are some of the benefits:

• Empowering patients and the general public: When health information is clear and easy to understand, patients can make better decisions about their health, stick to treatment plans, and take an active role in their care.

• Enhancing patient–doctor communication: Good communication is key to successful treatment. Using plain language helps doctors and patients understand each other better, reducing misunderstandings and fostering collaboration.

• Bridging cultural and language barriers: Plain-English editing is a game-changer for those whose first language isn’t English. Simple and straightforward language makes health information inclusive and accessible to a broader audience.

• Promoting health literacy: Health literacy is all about understanding and using health information effectively. By breaking down complex medical concepts, plain-English editing empowers people to take charge of their health and well-being.

Final thoughts

Medical plain-English editing is a crucial tool for making healthcare information accessible, understandable, and inclusive. By demystifying medical jargon and presenting information clearly and concisely, plain-English editors bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and the layperson. This not only empowers patients but also enhances communication and promotes overall health literacy. In a world where information is power, medical plain-English editing is essential for effective healthcare communication.

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A note on terminology: The terms medical copyeditor, medical proofreader and medical editor are often confused and used interchangeably. To add to the confusion, there are yet other terms used for different niches such as plain-English editor, medico-legal copyeditor and editorial assistant (the latter is commonly used in medical communications). I personally use medical editor to describe my role, and medical editing to describe both medical copyediting and medical proofreading, as this suggests a hybrid approach as per my own clients' preferences ... plus, it's simpler! See here for more detail on the traditional differences between proofreading and copyediting.

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Plain-English editing is a specialist editorial skill. If you need an editor to turn your complex medical text into plain language, please get in touch.