patient education sheet template

How do I create a patient education brochure/pamphlet/handout?

What to consider when creating your patient brochure

The American Academy of Family Physicians provides helpful information to know when you are creating a patient handout:

• The average American adult reads at an eighth-grade level. Patients, especially those with limited literacy, do not understand common medical terms, such as rectum, stool, or screening
• Even highly literate patients prefer simple, easy to read handouts
• Most patients only retain two to four key points from a handout

When designing your handout, consider the following:

• Keep it short and concise
• Use wide margins and leave white space between sections
• Keep it simple by using short sentences and short paragraphs, consider using bulleted lists
• Make it personal by using "you" as if you were addressing a patient in-person
• Focus on what patients NEED to know, instead of what is nice for them to know
• Focus on what patients need to DO, instead of etiology, anatomy, etc.
• Be specific, such as "drink 8 ounces of water at least four times a day" instead of "Drunk plenty of fluids"
• Avoid medical jargon and terminology, unless necessary
• Be aware of language, customs, and values to create a culturally sensitive brochure
• Organize information using headings
• Use images, when appropriate, and within reason

The CDC offers a fantastic guide for creating easy-to-understand materials, which includes a checklist on page 29 (Appendix A): https://www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/pdf/simply_put.pdf

How to create a patient brochure

There are many different tools you can use to make your brochure. A simple Google search for "brochure maker" or "brochure template" will bring up many results. Microsoft Word is the most common.  Word has over a dozen brochure templates you can use to get you started: https://templates.office.com/en-us/Brochures

If you need help creating your brochure in Microsoft Word, you can find many tutorials in YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=microsoft+word+brochure

American Academy of Family Physicians. (n.d.). American Family Physician patient handout instructions . https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/journals/afp/PatientHandoutInstructions.pdf

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• Last Updated Jul 28, 2022
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• Answered By Ashley Librarian

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The Ultimate Nursing Report Sheet Guide - Free Downloads!

As a nurse, you know the importance of clear and concise communication, especially when it comes to patient care. Nursing report sheets play a vital role in ensuring seamless handovers between shifts, ultimately contributing to improved patient outcomes. However, navigating these sheets can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for new nurses.

What are Nursing Report Sheets?

Nursing report sheets are standardized forms used to document a patient's condition, including vital signs, medications, treatments, and any relevant observations. They serve as a communication tool between nurses, ensuring continuity of care throughout the patient's journey.

Benefits of Using Nursing Report Sheets:

• Improved patient care: Clear and accurate documentation facilitates better communication and collaboration among healthcare professionals, leading to improved patient care.
• Enhanced safety: Reporting potential risks and concerns helps identify and address issues promptly, ensuring patient safety.
• Reduced errors: Standardized formats minimize the risk of errors and omissions associated with free-form documentation.
• Increased efficiency: Pre-structured templates save time and improve efficiency during shift changes.

Essential Components of a Nursing Report Sheet:

• Patient demographics: Basic information like name, age, diagnosis, and admitting date.
• Vital signs: Temperature, pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation.
• Medications: Current medication list, including dosages, frequencies, and routes of administration.
• Treatments: Treatments received and planned, including interventions like dressing changes, oxygen therapy, and suctioning.
• Laboratory and diagnostic reports: Summary of recent tests and results.
• Neurological status: Level of consciousness, orientation, and any neurological deficits.
• Pain assessment and management: Description of pain, pain score, and current pain management strategies.
• Fluid intake and output: Total intake and output for the shift.
• Activity and mobility: Level of independence and assistance required for daily activities.
• Skin integrity: Assessment of skin condition and any pressure injuries.
• Nutritional status: Dietary intake and any nutritional concerns.
• Discharge planning: Current discharge plan and any anticipated needs.

Tips for Using Nursing Report Sheets Effectively:

• Complete the sheet comprehensively and accurately.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Document all relevant observations and concerns.
• Proofread the sheet carefully before handing off to the next nurse.
• Ask questions and clarify any uncertainties.
• Utilize standardized abbreviations and terminology.

By mastering nursing report sheets, you can enhance communication, improve patient care, and ensure a smooth and safe transition between shifts. Remember, accurate and efficient reporting is not just a good practice, it's a vital aspect of providing quality patient care.

10 Free Nursing Report Sheet Downloads

Our report sheets are used extensively throughout health systems across the country.

• Download and print PDFs, or edit in Google Docs/Microsoft Word.
• 1-4 patients per sheet, with portrait and landscape options.
• SBAR and Brain format:  Perfect for Med-Surg, ICU, Tele, Step-Down, and ER units.

1. Full-Size SBAR Nurse Report Sheet

• Perfect for new grads and nursing students
• Fly through report by circling options instead of writing everything
• 1 patient per sheet
• SBAR format
• Great for all units

2. Brain Nursing Report Sheet Template

• Brain format

3. ICU Nurse Report Sheet

• Great for ICU

4. Mini SBAR Nursing Report Sheet

• 3 patients per sheet
• Quick report taking with circling options
• Great for med surg and tele units

5. 4 Patient Nurse Report Sheet

• 4 patients per sheet

6. Brain Nursing Report Sheet

7. 2 Patient Landscape Nurse Report Sheet

• 2 patients per sheet

8. 3 Patient SBAR Nurse Report Sheet

9. Full-size Nurse Report Sheet Template

10. History and Physical Template

• H&P format
• Great for nurse practitioners and NP students

Free Downloads!

How to give an effective nursing report: a comprehensive guide.

Giving a nursing report is a critical task that ensures continuity of care, patient safety, and effective communication between healthcare professionals. Whether you're a seasoned nurse or just starting in the field, mastering the art of giving a thorough and concise nursing report is essential. This guide will walk you

Leveraging Data and Analytics in Nursing Education

Data and analytics continue to enhance outcomes and refine teaching practices in nursing education. By utilizing these technologies, educators can gain deep insights into student performance, tailor instruction to meet individual needs, and ultimately produce more competent and confident nursing professionals. The Power of Data and Analytics in Education Data

Effective Assessment Methods for Nursing Students

Assessment is a critical component of nursing education, serving as a tool to evaluate the knowledge, skills, and competencies of nursing students. Effective assessment methods ensure that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the healthcare environment. Understanding Assessment in Nursing Education In nursing education, assessment methods can be

The Importance of AI in Nurse Clinical Tracking Systems

In the rapidly advancing field of healthcare, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone of innovation, transforming various aspects of healthcare.

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Free Printables

Education materials.

If you are not looking to purchase items, feel free to download any of our free patient information materials below. They cover a variety of topics including prevention and early detection, treatment, side effects, and survivorship. You can also find free material downloads at cancer.org.

Cancer Fact Sheets

These single page, front-and-back PDF flyers offer easy-to-read information about common cancers and cancer causes. Appropriate for the general public, health fairs, informational handouts, and patient education.

• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Skin Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Tobacco and Cancer
• Diet and Physical Activity

Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

Share information with your patients about the American Cancer Society screening guidelines and healthy living recommendations. 

• You Can Help Reduce Your Cancer Risk
• Tobacco: What is it costing you?
• Get Your Tests!
• 7 Things to Know about Getting a Mammogram
• Breast Density and Your Mammogram Report
• You Can Help Prevent Cervical Cancer
• If You have Cervical Cancer
• Testing for Prostate Cancer: Should I Be Tested? Is Testing Right for Me?
• They Know How to Prevent Colon Cancer - And You Can, Too
• What You Should Know about Skin Cancer

Sun Safety and Skin Cancer

These single page, front-and-back PDF flyers offer tips on prevention and early detection for skin cancer, as well as information for patients diagnosed with skin cancer.

• How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from the Sun
• Checking Your Skin for Signs of Skin Cancer
• Questions to Ask Your Health Care Team About Skin Cancer
• Tests and Procedures to Find and Treat Skin Cancer
• Skin Cancer Treatments
• Living with Skin Cancer
• Personal Health Manager

From the moment they’re diagnosed, cancer patients have to deal with an overwhelming amount of information. Keeping that information organized is important for tracking their journey, preparing for discussions with doctors, and making important decisions. Help someone have a better organized cancer journey by introducing them to the American Cancer Society Personal Health Manager. (Available in English and Spanish.)

• Administrador Personal de Salud

Treatment Types

These PDFs provide easy-reading information about some of the most common ways to treat cancer. 

• Surgery for Cancer
• Radiation Therapy for Cancer
• Chemotherapy for Cancer
• Immunotherapy for Cancer
• Targeted Drug Therapy for Cancer
• Hormone Therapy for Cancer
• Biosimilar Medicines for Cancer

Treatment Side Effects

Our "Getting Help..." series offers easy-reading information about dealing with side effects of cancer treatment. 

• Getting Help for Cancer Pain
• Getting Help for Chemo Brain
• Getting Help for Distress
• Getting Help for Diarrhea
• Getting Help for Fatigue
• Getting Help for Mouth Sores
• Getting Help for Nausea and Vomiting
• Getting Help for Skin Changes
• Getting Help for Sleep Problems

Printable worksheets to help your patients stay organized.

• Chemotherapy Side Effects Worksheet
• Radiation Therapy Side Effects Worksheet
• Medicine List
• Appointments Form
• Test Results Form
• Questions to Ask About Your Cancer

Patient Education Print Materials from the American Cancer Society

Here you will find a list of available print-based materials for cancer patient education with information about how to submit an order of any size.

• Patient Education Print Materials
• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Opens in a new window.

Vaccine Resources to Support Critical Patient Conversations

Vaccines are the best way to protect against potentially deadly diseases, but many patient still have questions when its time to get vaccinated. In November 2021, the AAFP partnered with Pfizer to develop materials for family physicians to use at the point of care. These resources can help you with those difficult conversations.

Download FREE Patient Education Fact Sheets

PDF Fact Sheet How to Approach Conversations with Parents about Routine Pediatric Vaccination

PDF Fact Sheet Building Confidence When Talking to Parents about Children’s Vaccines

PDF Fact Sheet Explaining the Vaccine Safety System

Download Other FREE Patient Education Resources

PDF Counseling Guide Aniticipatory Guidance to Recommend Routine Vaccination for Adults

MS Word Email Template Messages to Use in Vaccine Communications

PDF Patient Education Infographic What Your Doctor Wants You to Know about Vaccines for Kids

These resources were developed by the AAFP in collaboration with Pfizer, Inc.

Copyright © 2024 American Academy of Family Physicians. All Rights Reserved.

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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Basic Nutrition

Printable Materials and Handouts

Find printable handouts and fact sheets that can be used for health fairs, classes, and other food or nutrition-related events.

Cook up something new in your kitchen with these healthy, delicious recipes.

View four tips to help you save money when food shopping and help the environment.

View printable brochures and handouts with healthy eating tips based on the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025 , including:

• Build a Healthy Eating Routine
• Cut Down on Added Sugars

Browse the MyPlate collection of printable tip sheets and resources. These materials are in the public domain.

Want your kids to learn how to build a healthy meal? Use these clever activity sheets to find ideas and tips!

View this fact sheet with nutrition tips for breastfeeding moms. 

View printable materials about food safety, including guides, activity books, and tip sheets.

View lessons, workshops, activities, and curricula for teachers. Topics include food, nutrition, physical activity, and food safety.

Use this checklist to track healthy eating and exercise habits throughout your day!

View tips for building healthy eating habits in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. This fact sheet is available in 13 languages.

FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition developed “Everyday Food Safety” resources to increase food safety awareness among young adults ages 18 – 29. Check out the materials available to use in your classroom, health expo, waiting room, or website.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has updated the Nutrition Facts label on packaged foods and beverages with a new design, making it easier to make informed choices towards healthy eating habits. 

This one-page handout highlights the key changes being made to the new Nutrition Facts Label.

Share these tips to reduce food waste, save money, and protect the environment.

Browse handouts and recipes for the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet. Topics include getting more potassium, staying on track, and meal tracking for different calorie levels.

Looking for materials about healthy aging for older adults? Download or order these free handouts and booklets on exercise, nutrition, and other health topics.

View science-based fact sheets and handouts for health fairs and community events. 

The Sisters Together program encourages Black women ages 18 and older to reach and maintain a healthy weight. Learn how to bring the program to your community.

Download, print,or order a free copy of this brochure on eating disorders. Also available in Spanish.

Access vitamin and mineral supplement fact sheets for the consumer or health professional. Available in PDF format, and in Spanish.

Find handouts that teach how to build a healthy eating routine, cut down on added sugars, cut down on sodium, and cut down on saturated fat.

Print and share these fact sheets and posters to help people learn key recommendations from the Physical Activity Guidelines. Find materials for adults, older adults, parents and kids, and during and after pregnancy.

Browse by health topic or resource type to find 1-page printable fact sheets written at the 6th- to 8th-grade reading level in English or Spanish.

Challenge yourself to eating fruits and vegetables in new ways by following along to this 30-day calendar.

What are healthy cooking methods, and what equipment do you need for each method? Read this handout to find out.

Use this 31-day calendar to challenge yourself to one choice for a healthy weight each day.

View a table of spices to learn about their flavors and uses.

Use this handout to measure your hunger level on a scale of 1 to 10.

Find handouts to help you manage your weight with healthy eating and physical activity. Also available in Spanish.

Use this handout to plan weekly meals and create a grocery list.

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Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock icon ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

• Health Topics
• Drugs & Supplements
• Medical Tests
• Medical Encyclopedia
• About MedlinePlus
• Customer Support

Choosing effective patient education materials

Once you have assessed your patient's needs, concerns, readiness to learn, preferences, support, and possible barriers to learning, you will need to:

• Make a plan with your patient and their support person
• Agree with your patient on realistic learning objectives
• Select resources that fit your patient's needs

The first step is to assess the patient's current knowledge about their condition and what they want to know. Some patients need time to adjust to new information, master new skills, or make short- or long-term lifestyle changes.

Getting Started

Your patient's preferences can guide your choice of education materials and methods.

• Find out how your patient likes to learn.
• Be realistic. Focus on what your patient needs to know, not on what is nice to know.
• Pay attention to your patient's concerns. Your patient may have to overcome a fear before being open to teaching.
• Respect your patient's limits. Offer your patient only the amount of information they can handle at one time.
• Organize the information for easier comprehension.
• Be aware that you may need to adjust your education plan based on your patient's health status and environmental factors.

Basic Priorities

With any type of patient education, you will likely need to cover:

• What your patient needs to do and why
• When your patient can expect results (if applicable)
• Warning signs (if any) your patient should watch for
• What your patient should do if a problem occurs
• Who your patient should contact for questions or concerns

Patient Education Resource Options

There are many ways to deliver patient education. Examples include one-on-one teaching, demonstrations, and analogies or word pictures to explain concepts.

You can also use one or more of the following teaching tools:

• Brochures or other printed materials
• YouTube videos
• Videos or DVDs
• PowerPoint presentations
• Posters or charts
• Models or props
• Group classes
• Trained peer educators

Selecting Materials

When selecting materials:

• The type of resources that a patient or support person responds to varies from person to person. Using a mixed media approach often works best.
• Keep your assessment of your patient in mind. Consider factors such as literacy, numeracy, and culture as you develop a plan.
• Avoid fear tactics. Focus instead on the benefits of education. Tell your patient what to pay special attention to.
• Be sure to review any materials you plan to use before sharing them with your patient. Keep in mind that no resource is a complete substitute for one-on-one patient teaching.

In some cases, it may not be possible to get the right materials for your patients' needs. For example, it may be hard to find materials on new treatments in certain languages or on sensitive topics. Instead, you may try having a discussion with the patient on sensitive topics or creating your own tools for your patient's needs.

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality website. Use health education material effectively: Tool #12. www.ahrq.gov/health-literacy/improve/precautions/tool12.html . Updated September 2020. Accessed October 27, 2023.

Bukstein DA. Patient adherence and effective communication. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol . 2016;117(6):613-619. PMID: 27979018 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27979018/ .

Cutilli CC. Excellence in patient education: evidence-based education that "sticks" and improves patient outcomes. Nurs Clin North Am . 2020;55(2):267-282. PMID: 32389259 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32389259/ .

Health Care Education Association website. Tools and resources : patient education practice guidelines for health care professionals. www.hcea-info.org/educational-tools . Accessed October 27, 2023.

Review Date 10/13/2023

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Your Medicines. Be safe, smart and well informed with these educational brochures and resources

In health care, being informed is essential to promoting positive outcomes. You are a key player in managing your health and your medicines. Be proactive in asking questions, seeking clarity and getting the information you want and need. The educational resources below can help get you on your way. These brochures and tip sheets are downloadable and can be reprinted and used for community events.

General Medicine Education Resources

• Your Medicine: Be Safe. Be Smart .
• Be MedWise Brochure: Use Over-The-Counter Medicines Wisely
• Be MedWise Brochure: Use Over-The-Counter Medicines Wisely (Spanish)
• Think It Through: a guide to managing the risks and benefits of medicine
• Understanding the “Drug Facts Label” on OTC Medicines – an infographic from Scholastic
• “You Know What’s in Your Medicine Cabinet, but Do You Know What’s in Your Medicines” – public service announcement from NCPIE and the FDA
• Must Ask Questions: What you need to ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about your medicines
• 10 Terms to Know for Medication Safety: Side Effects, Interactions, Adherence and More
• Talk Before You Take: Discuss the benefits and risks of medicines
• 8 Simple Ways to Lower Prescription Drug Costs
• When You are Prescribed an “off label” medicine: what you need to know

See our  educational toolkit for all medicine users .

Medication List Tools and Wallet Cards

• “My Medications List” Wallet Card
• Make Notes & Take Notes to Avoid Medication Errors
• Personal Medical Data Wallet Card (Spanish)
• Talk Before You Take Pocket Guide

Medicine Storage & Disposal

• Do’s and Don’t of Medicine Disposal 
• Safe Disposal of Over-theCounter Pain Medications

For Older Adults and Caregivers

• 10 Tips to Help Remind You to Stay on Schedule with your Medicines
• 6 Ways to Help your Older Parents Use Medications the Right Way and Prevent Problems
• Are You in Pain? Older Adults and Pain Relievers
• Interactions, Adherence and Polypharmacy: 10 “MUST Know” terms to understand medicine safe use
• Juggling Multiple Medicines? What You Can Do to Stay Safe
• Medication Use Safety Training for Seniors: A National Education Initiative for Older Adults and Caregivers
• Talking About Cost. Don’t Let Medication Expenses Cut into Your Treatment
• Top Ten Medicine Tips When Caring for Older Adults

See our  educational toolkits for older adults  and our  educational toolkits for caregivers . 

For Parents

• Ask the Right Questions: Key Questions to Ask about the Medicines You and Your Family Members Take
• Medicine Safety for Families
• Talking to Your Kids about Prescription Drug Abuse (Educational Brochure for Parents)
• The FamilyWize eGuide for Safe Medicine Use at Home
• Top 10 Medicine Use Tips for Parents

See our  educational toolkit for parents . 

Online Help

Our 24/7 cancer helpline provides information and answers for people dealing with cancer. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear. 

Chat live online

Select the  Live Chat button at the bottom of the page 

Call us at  1-800-227-2345

Available any time of day or night

Our highly trained specialists are available 24/7 via phone and on weekdays can assist through online chat. We connect patients, caregivers, and family members with essential services and resources at every step of their cancer journey. Ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. Some of the topics we can assist with include:

• Referrals to patient-related programs or resources
• Donations, website, or event-related assistance
• Tobacco-related topics
• Volunteer opportunities
• Cancer Information

For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor.

Education Materials for Your Patients

Use these easy-to-read materials written in plain language to inform your patients and caregivers on a variety of topics including prevention and early detection, treatment, side effects, and survivorship.

Prevention, Screening, and General Information

Cancer prevention and early detection.

Share information with your patients about the American Cancer Society screening guidelines and healthy living recommendations. 

• You Can Help Reduce Your Cancer Risk
• Healthy Eating and Being Active Can Lower Your Cancer Risk
• Tobacco: What is it costing you?
• Get Your Tests!
• 7 Things to Know about Getting a Mammogram
• Breast Density and Your Mammogram Report
• You Can Prevent Cervical Cancer
• Testing for Prostate Cancer: Should I Be Tested? Is Testing Right for Me?
• Prostate Cancer Screening Patient Decision Aid
• Getting Screened for Colorectal Cancer
• Do You Need Lung Cancer Screening?
• Finding Lung Cancer Early
• Healthy Lungs for Everyone
• What You Should Know About Skin Cancer
• Lung Cancer Screening Patient Decision Aid

Cancer Fact Sheets

These single page, front-and-back PDF flyers offer easy-to-read information about common cancers and cancer causes. Appropriate for the general public, health fairs, informational handouts, and patient education.

• Adolescent Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Cervical Cancer
• Childhood Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer
• Diet and Physical Activity
• LGBTQ+ People and Cancer
• Lung Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Skin Cancer
• Tobacco and Cancer

Sun Safety and Skin Cancer

These single page, front-and-back PDF flyers offer tips on prevention and early detection for skin cancer, as well as information for patients diagnosed with skin cancer.

• How to Protect Yourself and Your Family from the Sun
• Checking Your Skin for Signs of Skin Cancer
• Questions to Ask Your Health Care Team About Skin Cancer
• Tests and Procedures to Find and Treat Skin Cancer
• Skin Cancer Treatments
• Living with Skin Cancer

For Cancer Patients and Caregivers

• Personal Health Manager

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Blog Healthcare How to Simplify Technical Jargon for Healthcare Patient Education Materials and Infographics

How to Simplify Technical Jargon for Healthcare Patient Education Materials and Infographics

Written by: Jennifer Abayowa Mar 17, 2021

The health of patients depends on a mutual partnership between patient and provider. As a healthcare worker, your role is to equip your patients to become active participants and take ownership of their health.

That’s where patient education materials come in—they help empower your patients to become better informed about their medical conditions, procedures and treatments.

And in this new era of virtual medical care, having the ingenuity to create easy-to-digest content is even more priceless.

But, how can busy healthcare practitioners create simple, jargon-free content to educate and empower patients? Easy—by using patient education templates.

In this post, we’ll show you how to simplify technical jargon for patient education and how to use infographics to create accessible, actionable materials. You can use Venngage’s online Infographic Maker and in minutes you will have healthcare patient education infographics that are easy to digest.

START CREATING FOR FREE

Click to jump ahead:

• How to make effective patient education materials?
• Why simplifying technical jargon is important to patient education
• Benefits of simplifying technical jargon for patients

Why you should use infographics in healthcare materials

• 7 tips to simplify healthcare patient education materials

How can I make effective patient education materials?

The best healthcare patient education materials and infographics engage patients and help them make informed decisions.

But the materials you create must be simple enough to grasp. Take for instance, this one by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

One key strategy to help you speak the language of your patients is to first identify who they are .

Defining your target audience helps you create information that is relevant to them and equips you to address a critical need or solve a problem.

You can’t communicate efficiently to your target audience if you don’t speak their language.

Speaking technical jargon to a lay audience will put you at risk of losing them in the conversation. Take this coronavirus infographic, for example; it uses plain language with clear directions.

CREATE THIS INFOGRAPHIC TEMPLATE

Why simplifying technical jargon is important for patient education

One of the standard responsibilities of healthcare workers is to share information with the public.

But what if you are consistently putting information out there and, yet, your target audience isn’t responding?

Few companies succeed at reaching their target audience.

The target audience for healthcare patient education materials and infographics are typically patients who may be experts in their fields but do not have a medical or health-related degree.

To get them to respond, you need to break down medical jargon into layman speak. For example, this infographic gives parents clear, direct advice on how to help children experiencing pandemic-related stress.

Related: 8 Mental Health Infographics to Raise Awareness [Templates and Examples]

The benefits of simplifying technical jargon for patients

1. healthcare or medical terminology is too complex for non-experts.

In his book Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell suggests that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert at anything, citing a 1993 research by Ericsson, Krampe, and Tesch-Römer .

Since then, many professionals have cited a minimum of 10,000 hours as a rule or principle to follow when trying to become an expert. But other scientists argue that this rule is variable depending on the type of activity.

For example, Macnamara, Hambrick, and Oswald claim that “deliberate practice” explained 26% of the variance in performance for games, 21% for music, 18% for sports, 4% for education, and less than 1% for professions.

Brooke Macnamara, a psychologist at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, said, “The [10,000 hours] idea has become really entrenched in our culture, but it’s an oversimplification.”

However, it is still evident that one has to put in a lot of work to become an expert in anything.

Even if you’re not calculating the hours, you would need to spend months to years to emerge as a subject matter expert.

As medicine is not the expertise of most of your patients, they may need to look up definitions in a dictionary whenever they come across medical terms.

As a rule of thumb, you should break down complex healthcare or medical terminology so that people who are experts in other fields can follow along.

2. Simplified language in healthcare infographics leads to positive health outcomes

The goal of healthcare is to improve the overall health outcomes of your patients. Your content should equip them to take the right action.

An estimated 6 in 10 American adults have a chronic disease, including heart disease, cancer, chronic lung disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes and chronic kidney disease, according to the CDC .

3. Patients are more compliant when they understand instructions

In the old model of our health care systems, physicians told patients what to do. However, health care in the US is transitioning to patient-centric care where the patient is more involved in the decision-making than ever before.

The World Health Organization reports that 10% to 25% of admissions in hospitals and nursing homes are due to patient noncompliance. Also, 50% of prescriptions are not taken correctly, and up to 40% of patients do not follow up with their treatment regimens.

To take control of their health, people need to be active and informed participants in their treatment. But if they don’t understand the terminology, it could lead to them becoming non-compliant.

About 65 percent of people are visual learners (people who need to see what they’re learning), according to the Social Science Research Network .

Verbal learners (people who learn by hearing) only account for 30 percent of the population, and experiential learners (people who learn by doing and touching) account for the remaining 5 percent.

When people are matched with their learning styles, they absorb information better. And most people are visual learners.

Visual cues also keep individuals motivated about the topic they are learning. Infographics are fantastic when it comes to addressing the needs of visual learners.

Related : 7 Healthcare Infographic Templates to Use in Healthcare Settings

7 tips for simplifying healthcare patient education materials

The purpose of healthcare infographics is to simplify complex medical information. In other words, healthcare infographics make your message clearer.

Here are seven tips that will help you simplify technical jargon so that your patients can actually act on the information you are trying to communicate.

1. Use common, everyday language

In communicating information to people who are not medical experts, you should avoid complex terminology. Instead, explain what that technical term means in simple words.

For example, instead of “inflammation,” write “swelling.” Or instead of “exacerbate,” use “worsen.”

This infographic below uses everyday language that makes it easy to grasp quickly.

2. Use numbered lists to organize information

When an infographic has a good structure, it flows logically. Think about how your topic will drift through your reader’s mind.

First, outline and draft your content. Then ask yourself, “How does one point connect to the next?”

Next, use numbers to illustrate the order of steps, as seen in this infographic example below.

3. Structure your content to flow logically

Content structure is important for all types of content, including healthcare patient education materials. Content that has good structure will guide your readers from one idea to another in a logical manner.

Infographics are primarily designed to give your readers a logical flow of ideas and data in a visual format. You can tell if the structure of your infographic works when your patients can quickly find the information they are looking for.

This infographic example is well-structured and helps the reader move easily from one point to the next.

4. Use images and icons to represent complex terminology

Since visual learners are drawn first to images, you should use images and icons to represent complex technical jargon. One advantage of images is that readers will instantly recognize the topic.

Grab your reader’s attention by using one image or icon per subtitle, as seen in the example below:

5. Help readers visualize each health outcome

Images can help readers visualize each health outcome.

In the infographic below, readers can visualize themselves doing various activities while still taking precautions to prevent COVID-19.

6. Highlight medical statistics

Tell the story behind your data by using statistical infographics.

Statistics used in healthcare infographics are powerful because they immediately give people the big picture.

Statistical infographics are useful for presenting numbers, charts, and data.

You don’t have to include every data point. Choose the most important data that informs your patients the most, as seen in this infographic below.

7. Use highly informative headers and less text in summaries

One way to simplify medical jargon is to emphasize your headers.

If your headers can explain what you are trying to say, then you’ve done most of the work!

The attention span for the average person is short. Your titles and subtitles should contain the most important information you need to convey.

Related : How to Summarize Information and Present It Visually

The rest of your infographic, including the summaries under each subtitle, should be less text-heavy, as seen in the example below.

CREATE THIS MIND MAP TEMPLATE

The goal of simplifying technical jargon for healthcare patient education materials and infographics is to improve the overall health outcomes of your patients. Being able to break down highly complex information is an acquired skill.

Fortunately, Venngage offers 1,000+ easy-to-edit templates with 9 infographic types for you to choose from. You can use our drag-and-drop online Infographic Editor  and in minutes you will have healthcare patient education infographics that are easy to digest.

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Home » Blog » Printing » How to Create & Print Patient Education Brochures

How to Create & Print Patient Education Brochures

Patient education brochures are an extremely helpful resource for your patients. Wondering why they’re important and how to make them? Look no further! Keep reading to learn more about how to create and custom print your patient education pamphlets.

Medical information pamphlets are useful and reassuring for your patients. Don’t let your patient leave your office with unanswered questions. If a patient has just learned that they have, or might have, a condition that they don’t much know about, pamphlets provide them with initial information that they can consult until they have a chance to learn more.

Patients want to be reassured: both reassured that you’re a professional who has ample resources about the diagnosis you’ve given them, and reassured that you are taking steps to take care of them. The simple act of handing them an information sheet demonstrates that you care and want to give them access to information.

One of your top goals is patient compliance. Giving your patient ample information increases the doctor-patient bond, making it more likely that your patient will follow your advice. This keeps your patient healthy and safe!

Table of Contents

How to design your patient education brochures

Choose a length to fit your needs..

Most medical brochures for patients consist of one or two sides of one 8.5” x 11” piece of paper. However, you can also consider creating a booklet. A single piece of paper is cheaper to print, but a booklet contains more in-depth information and answers common patient questions.

Maintain a neutral tone.

Your patient might be panicked about their diagnosis, so be informative without being overly emotional. Don’t be overly optimistic or make false promises about treatments, and try not to make patients more worried than they already are.

Make your pamphlet extremely clear.

You’re explaining complex medical conditions or procedures to people who might not have a medical background, so use easy-to-understand words. Highlight and define any keywords or phrases.

Use as little text as possible.

Only include the most important information, which helps increase your pamphlet’s clarity. When listing symptoms, do so in a bullet-point list, which is visually simple and easy to understand.

A picture is worth a thousand words, which makes a medical diagram worth a million! If diagrams or images can explain your topic, include them. They explain complex ideas clearly and concisely and help patients who don’t read or aren’t fluent in English. They are visually interesting and therefore make your pamphlet more likely to be read, and they provide accessible information about a topic that might be unfamiliar to your patients.

Use bolded, easy-to-read headings phrased as questions patients might ask.

Print these headings in color so that they’re easily distinguished from the main text of the pamphlet. Some important headings and sections include:

• What is this condition?
• What causes it?
• What are common signs and symptoms?
• How common is it?
• How is it diagnosed?
• How can I prevent it?
• What is the treatment?
• When should I call my doctor or go to the ER?

If your pamphlet is for a procedure, include sections such as:

• What are the possible outcomes for this procedure?
• How do I know if it’s right for me?
• What are the qualifications for this procedure (such as being a certain age or not having certain underlying conditions)?

Consider printing in color.

Printing images and headers in color make your page look more engaging and easier to understand. As well, printing on glossy paper also makes your pamphlet look more professional.

Hire a professional designer.

A professional designer can make your patient education brochures easy to understand. Additionally, a professionally designed and printed pamphlet will engage patients more, making them more likely to be compliant with treatment.

Make your pamphlet accessible.

Using the right medical font can make a big difference! Use an easy-to-read font such as Arial or Helvetica, which can be read by people of all ages, with all types of eyesight. Also, consider creating translated versions for any non-English languages that are commonly spoken in your area, such as Spanish, Mandarin, or Tagalog. This increases access to the information in your pamphlet and therefore increases community health.

Include your company or medical organization’s name, logo, and contact information.

Including this information on your pamphlet helps patients know that they’re getting this information from a reliable source. As well, if they have more questions, they can contact you or visit your website to learn more.

Print your pamphlets with a trusted printer!

When you’re ready to make and distribute your medical office brochures, The Print Authority is here to help! With almost 30 years in the industry, our experience with design, custom printing, printing fulfillment, and shipping means that we can help you design, print, and distribute the best pamphlets to help your patients thrive.

Whether you run one medical office or a large group of offices in different states, we can offer you the right solution for your medical printing and distribution needs. We also design outstanding web to print portals , which make ordering pamphlets for multiple offices a breeze. Contact us today!

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COPD Foundation Educational Materials

Thank you for your interest in the copd foundation’s educational library. we have a variety of useful booklets, flyers, and tools to help you learn more about living and thriving with copd – everything from the basics of lung conditions to specific topics such as exercise and exacerbations (flare-ups)., the following are available to download to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. hard copies are available to purchase through our online store ., if you are a health care professional, would you please take a minute to register for our copd360social community, guides for better living, the basics of copd, copd 101/201, all about bronchiectasis, oxygen therapy basics.

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The NEW! COPD Foundation Guides for Better Living are comprehensive educational booklets for use by individuals with COPD and their families, pulmonary rehabilitation programs, COPD support groups, and health care facilities. Each of the nine Guides for Better Living focuses on one important aspect of life with COPD. Many in this series of 12- to 20-page easy-to-read booklets feature interactive portions for patients and caregivers to discuss together. The Guides are available for purchase individually or in a set in our online catalogue.

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COPD 101: Understanding the Basics of COPD, covers introductory information about COPD and includes a screening tool and symptom tracker.

COPD 201: Beyond the Basics, will be of particular interest to those looking for more advanced information and covers topics such as medication, treatments, smoking cessation, nutrition, and co-existing conditions. It also includes a copy of My COPD Action Plan.

All About Bronchiectasis contains helpful information for people with bronchiectasis. This booklet covers many important topics, such as how bronchiectasis is diagnosed, treatment options, tips for living well and reducing exacerbations, and how to find support for living with bronchiectasis. This booklet may also be beneficial to caregivers as well.

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The app. The COPD Pocket Consultant Guide (PCG) app is built to support patients with COPD and their family members in self-management and to assist health care professionals in providing optimal care. The patient and caregiver track contains several helpful tools, including an interactive My COPD Action Plan and activity tracking calendar; inhaler, nebulizer and exercise videos; and a wallet card to track important information such as medications and immunizations. In the health care provider view, users can access the CAT and mMRC Breathlessness Scale; an evidence-based therapy flowchart; COPD medications lists; inhaler and nebulizer education videos; and much more. To download the free app, please visit the App Store or Google Play . You can read more about the PCG tracks for patients and caregivers and for health care professionals .

The tri-fold card. For health care professionals, hard copies of the COPD Pocket Consultant Guide, including the treatment decision tree, seven COPD severity domains, the CAT, the mMRC Breathlessness Scale, and listings of brand or generic medications are available for download below. In addition, laminated versions are available through our online catalogue .

The COPD Pocket Consultant Guide was supported by Astra Zeneca and GSK.

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The COPD Foundation Disaster Preparedness Plan (DPP) is a comprehensive resource for individuals and families impacted by chronic lung diseases, including COPD. This booklet will help you plan for emergencies and stay safe during a disaster event. You’ll also find an interactive removable insert containing helpful forms, lists, and charts for making a disaster preparedness plan that is specific to your own needs. The DPP can also be found in the COPD Pocket Consultant Guide (PCG) app, available on the Apple App Store or Google Play .

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Testing positive for COVID-19 can be scary and overwhelming, and people with COPD are at higher risk for severe symptoms. While you should always discuss treatments with your health care provider, this poster covers currently-approved treatment options.

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This flyer highlights the benefits and importance of quitting smoking at any age. Learn about tools to help you quit smoking as well as risk factors for COPD in this double-sided flyer.

It can be very helpful to have an action plan to follow when managing your COPD. This plan guides you when you’re feeling well and when an exacerbation (flare-up) is starting. The COPD Foundation's My COPD Action Plan should be filled out the first time as part of a discussion with your health care provider, and then used daily or as often as you can. Remember to update it at least every six months. Download your copy here or use the interactive My COPD Action Plan in the COPD Pocket Consultant Guide (PCG) app (free for download in the App Store and Google Play ).

When you visit your doctor, complete the activity list before you arrive for the appointment. This will help them understand your current activities and limitations. It is also important to bring a complete list of the medications you are currently taking (you can write these down or enter them into the Wallet Card in the PCG app). Ask your doctor to help you complete the special medications section of your My COPD Action Plan for Yellow days and Red days.

The Report Early Warning Signs of Exacerbation is another great tool that you should have. Be sure to share both with your family and caregivers so everyone knows what to do and who to call when you are having a COPD flare-up.

It’s important for individuals with COPD to stay healthy and enjoy their favorite activities. In the Tips for Living Well with COPD flyer, you will learn about tools, techniques, and resources to help you on your journey with COPD. You will also learn useful health and safety tips for managing your COPD.

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This one-page fact sheet focuses on preventing pneumonia in individuals with COPD. This flyer will give you helpful tips and tools for staying healthy, avoiding illness, and recognizing early warning signs of an infection or flare-up.

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This one-page flyer focuses on preventing the symptoms and complications of shingles for people with COPD. While discussing treatment options with your health care provider is important, this flyer can help you make well-informed choices about the best available care.

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It is important to keep a list of your medications and immunizations handy. Fill out this wallet card and carry it with you. Be sure to update it periodically.

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NCI develops booklets for the public on a variety of topics related to cancer. Booklets are available as PDFs to read online or print. Some are also available as e-books. 

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Coping with Advanced Cancer: Choices for Care Near the End of Life

Covers the choices for care and symptom control for the patient with late-stage cancer, along with the emotional and communication issues it brings.

Taking Time: Support for People With Cancer

Covers the feelings and concerns of people with cancer and their families.

When Cancer Returns: Support for People with Cancer

Covers the physical and emotional issues related to having a cancer recurrence.

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Caring for the Caregiver: Support for Cancer Caregivers

A condensed version of “When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer,” it covers practical, coping, and communication tips for friends and family members caring for loved ones with cancer.

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Covers coping strategies to help cancer caregivers adjust their focus to the recovery phase once treatment is over for their loved one with cancer.

When Your Brother or Sister Has Cancer: A Guide for Teens

Tips on what to say to your friends, how to deal with stress, and where to find support – as well as information about cancer and cancer treatments, for young people who have a brother or sister with cancer.

When Your Parent Has Cancer: A Guide for Teens

Tips on what to say to your friends, how to deal with stress, and where to find support – as well as information about cancer and cancer treatments, for young people who have a parent with cancer.

When Someone You Love Is Being Treated for Cancer: Support for Caregivers

Covers practical, coping, and communication tips for friends and family members caring for loved ones with cancer.

When Someone You Love Has Advanced Cancer: Support for Caregivers

Covers coping strategies and communication tips to address the concerns that cancer caregivers face when their loved one has been told that he or she has advanced cancer.

Understanding Breast Changes and Conditions: A Health Guide

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Explains next steps after an abnormal Pap or HPV test result, including how cervical conditions are diagnosed and treated – as well as information about screening guidelines and HPV vaccines.

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Facing Forward: Life After Cancer Treatment

Covers both the physical and emotional post-treatment issues for cancer survivors.

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Explains what chemotherapy is and discusses questions people may have, such as how often they will have treatment and how it will be given. Explains common side effects, why they happen, ways your health care providers can help you manage them, and tips for to managing them at home.

Eating Hints: Before, during, and after Cancer Treatment

Covers how diet needs differ for people with cancer, common eating problems that may occur, tips for handling food safely during treatment, how healthcare providers can help manage eating problems, and tips for managing problems at home. 

Cancer Pain Control: Support for People With Cancer

Covers pain control methods and tips for cancer patients, pain control plans, talking with your health care team about pain, and coping with the physical and emotional effects of pain.

Radiation Therapy and You: Support for People with Cancer

Explains the different types of external beam and internal radiation therapy that are used as treatments for cancer. Covers ways that doctors attempt to protect healthy cells from harm. Lists which side effects might result from treatment to specific parts of the body and offers tips for managing them.

Types of Cancer

Anyone Can Get Skin Cancer

Covers skin cancer risk information for minority audiences. The goal of the brochure is to dispel the belief that only people with light skin are at risk for skin cancer

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• Open via the browser on your Kindle.
• Or, select "Kindle." Then, use a USB cable to transfer the file to your Kindle.
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