Communication Course

Develop your communication skills to promote health literacy, including effectively identifying needs and interests of unique audiences, developing plain language materials, and proper use of the health literacy practice of teach-back

• Module 1: You’ll learn about 3 plain language techniques providers can use to enhance clear and effective communication when speaking with patients and consumers about health information.
• Module 2: You’ll learn about plain language and its importance for health literacy, as well as 3 reasons people may need materials written in plain language. You’ll learn about 4 key plain language writing techniques that make content easier to read and understand. In addition, you’ll learn about grammar and punctuation rules that apply in plain language documents.
• Module 3: You’ll learn about 4 typography principles that can make a print or web document look easier to read. You’ll learn which typefaces are serif and which are sans serif, along with 4 layout principles that can make a print or web document look easier to read. You’ll learn about the correct method for placing text under bulleted lists, as well as 2 imagery principles that can enhance appeal. Finally, you’ll learn how to choose the photo that best aligns with a caption.
• Module 4: You’ll learn to identify the primary audience for your health information. You’ll learn how to discover their characteristics, needs, and interests. Finally, you’ll learn how to apply this knowledge to written and verbal communication.
• Module 5: You’ll learn about fundamental literacy and adult learners. You’ll learn why adopting a universal precautions approach is the preferred method to ensure patient and consumer understanding. You’ll learn about 7 potential “red flags” for limited fundamental literacy, and about 5 actions providers can take when they see these “red flags.”
• Module 6: You’ll learn how to engage a subject matter expert (SME) to provide content for plain language health materials. You’ll also learn how to work with your SME as you develop these materials.
• Module 7: You’ll learn about 3 free assessment tools: 1) Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT); 2) Clear Communication Index (Index); and 3) Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM). You’ll learn about key similarities and differences among the PEMAT, Index, and SAM, and about the items that each tool measures. You’ll also look at a sample score report for each tool.
• Module 8: You’ll learn about the benefits and limits of readability formulas. You’ll also learn how to use readability formulas correctly, which electronic options are most accurate, which readability scores to consider, and how to use the scores to improve your text.
• Module 9: You’ll learn what teach-back is and how to use it. You’ll learn about strategies and tools for using teach-back. You’ll also learn how to make teach-back part of your organization’s routine practices.

Complete all nine mdules and pass the summative exam to earn your Communication digital badge.

This course takes approximately 9 hours to complete.