Accessible communication in science

[Annette McKinnon]

A post from @IvaCheung on accessible communication in science beyond Open Access

http://www.ivacheung.com/2016/09/four-levels-to-accessible-communications

Accessible communications

I presented this four-level accessibility framework at a few academic conferences this year, and some people have requested a non-academic summary, so here it is. I'll leave out the methodology details, but if you're curious about them, please get in touch!

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Is your communication accessible? This question can be tricky to answer, because access means different things to different people. By analyzing the themes in a series of articles about accessibility, I've found that most definitions of access fit under four main categories, and I've organized these into a framework I use as a checklist of sorts when I create communications (pamphlets, books, videos, podcasts, webinars, etc.) for the general public. I hope you'll find it helpful, and I welcome suggestions to make it better.

The four levels are:

1. discovery-can users find your communication?

2. acquisition-can users get your communication?

3. use-can users use your communication?

4. comprehension-can users understand your communication?

Users move down the framework, funnelled from big picture to fine details: they first have to find a communication, then get it, use it, and understand it. Creators of communications move up the framework: they write the content, design it, disseminate it, and finally archive it.

A good person to follow on Twitter

[Annette McKinnon]

The potential power of plain language November 22, 2017

by Mychal Voorhees @Girl_Mychal #HealthLitOnTech

http://bit.ly/2BnrJCC

"Plain language"
It's a phrase that's often tossed around. But how often do we use it when we should? Plain language is communication your reader can understand immediately. It requires that readers be able to find what they need, understand what they find, and then use that information for their own benefit. It's not enough for them to understand one sentence of text; it must all work together.

When we think about plain language, we often think about writing for websites, patient education materials, and forms. We spend hours on editing text to meet plain language guidelines and ensure our messages are clear. One area where I lack focus on using plain language is social media.

We use social media on a regular basis to promote our work, share information, and engage our audiences. In 2016, 79% of adults who are online reported using Facebook1, and that is just one of many social media platforms. And it's not just digital natives and millennials who use social media. In 2015, 35% of adults 65 and older reported using social media, compared to only 2% in 20052. In a recent study, patients who self-reported having low health literacy were more likely to use social networking sites for health information than those with high self-report health literacy. This is a critical audience to reach with social media messaging, so how can you maximize your use of plain language to expand your message's reach?

1. Keep it short and simple.

As plain language guidelines advise, keep your messaging and wording short and simple. This is a win-win in social media where we're often limited to character counts and shorter messaging is more effective.

1. Speak to your audience and speak like

This is a great opportunity to do away with the professional writing and speak conversationally. When you post on social media, ask yourself, is this how I'd talk to a friend while we're out to dinner? Use common words. Address your audience directly with pronouns. Use humor and tell stories.

1. Avoid abbreviations and acronyms.

You may be trying to keep on top of the newest slang and acronyms on social media, but this doesn't pass as plain language. We alienate groups when we start to use acronyms and abbreviations without explanation. I suggest sticking to words people will be familiar with. ‘IMO' is short, but ‘in my opinion' is clear.

1. Make it actionable.

Plain language guidelines require that people know how to use the information, and this rule lends itself especially well to social media. You should use social media with a clear purpose, so tell your audience what it is. Do you want them to share or retweet? Do you want them to take action like have a discussion with their doctor? Tell them explicitly what they should do.

1. Call for backup.

If you're stuck on how to simplify your message, there are plenty of free resources that can help. A few that I recommend include: University of Michigan's Plain Language Medical Dictionary, The Plain Language Action and Information Network's Guidelines, and the CDC's Guide to Writing for Social Media. If you're writing something longer like a blog post, you might want to use the Hemingway Editor. Just copy and paste your text into the editor and it will suggest ways you can simplify.

Those of us in health communication spend a lot of time thinking about ways to make our message simple. I'm certain we can be more deliberate about creating social media content that is clear, understandable, and actionable. What other tips do you follow when posting to social media?

Sources:

1 Greenwood, S. Perrin, A., & Duggan, M. (2016). Social media update 2016.
http://www.pewinternet.org/2016/11/11/social-media-update-2016/

2 Perrin, A. (2015). Social media usage: 2005-2015.
http://www.pewinternet.org/2015/10/08/social-networking-usage-2005-2015/

3Manganello, J., Gerstner, G., Pergolino, K., Graham, Y., Falisi, A., & Strogatz, D. (2017) The relationship of health literacy with use of digital technology for health information: implications for public health practice. Journal of Public Health Management and Practice, 23, 380-387.