Patient education in dermatology: Crafting effective materials
Patient education is really my bread and butter when it comes to medical writing. My first published pieces were patient education newsletters, and majority of the articles I publish continue to be patient-facing health pieces. One of my main professional goals is to decrease medical misinformation and increase health literacy amongst patients, which is why I am so passionate about this type of medical writing.
Effective patient education is crucial in dermatology, where clear communication can significantly impact a patient's understanding of their condition, treatment options, and overall care. Whether through brochures, online resources, or instructional videos, well-crafted educational materials empower patients to take an active role in managing their health. Here are some tips to ensure your patient education materials are clear, informative, and accessible.
1. Know Your Audience
Before creating any educational material, it’s essential to understand who your audience is. Dermatology patients can vary widely in age, educational background, and health literacy. Tailor your content to meet their needs by using language and explanations that are appropriate for the general population. This is something I’ve had to actively work on as both PA and a writer. Avoid medical jargon unless it’s clearly explained, and consider creating materials at a 6th to 8th-grade reading level to ensure they are accessible to most patients. A tool I love to use is Hemingway editor which provides real-time feedback on the readability of your piece.
2. Use Clear and Concise Language
Patients often feel overwhelmed when presented with complex medical information. To combat this, use simple, straightforward language that gets to the point quickly. Break down complex concepts into easy-to-understand steps or bullet points. For example, instead of saying, “Apply the topical corticosteroid twice daily to the affected areas,” say, “Put the cream on the rash two times each day—once in the morning and once at night.”
3. Incorporate Visuals
Visuals are powerful tools in patient education. High-quality images, diagrams, and videos can help illustrate complex information and make it more memorable. For example, a video demonstrating how to properly apply sunscreen or a diagram showing the progression of eczema can be more effective than text alone. Ensure that any visuals used are culturally sensitive and accurately represent the patient population you are addressing. Depending on the company you are working for as a writer, you likely will not be responsible for generating the images/ videos yourself (there are luckily graphic designers and content editors for that), but I am alway sure to confirm with my editor these will be included in the published article.
4. Be Specific and Actionable
Patients need clear instructions on what to do and when to do it. Include specific, actionable steps in your materials to help guide them through their treatment plan. For instance, if you’re creating a brochure on acne management, include a daily skincare routine checklist that patients can follow. The more specific your guidance, the easier it is for patients to implement.
6. Make it Engaging and Interactive
Alas, no one wants to read a boring black-and-white printed WordDoc. Engaging materials are more likely to capture patients’ attention and be remembered. Consider incorporating interactive elements like quizzes, self-assessment tools, or clickable links in online resources. For instructional videos, keep them short and focused, and include step-by-step demonstrations that patients can easily follow along with.
Crafting effective patient education materials in dermatology requires a thoughtful approach that prioritizes clarity, simplicity, and accessibility. By knowing your audience, using clear language, incorporating visuals, and ensuring accessibility, you can create educational materials that empower patients to better understand and manage their skin health. These efforts can lead to improved patient outcomes and greater satisfaction with their care.
