Today, much attention is paid to developing health literacy and good communication skills in health care. People with poor knowledge need to understand the existing public health threats, and it is the responsibility of healthcare providers to share information in a clear and comprehensible way. National Institutes of Health (NIH) introduced the Clear Communication Program, according to which the principles of healthy literary, cultural respect, and plain language should be followed. In this paper, attention will be paid to two handouts regarding their effective communication and possible improvements. Even though Handout 2B and Handout 1B are on the same topic, which is Zika virus protection and prevention, their approaches vary, proving the worth of visuals, language choice, clarity, and awareness contributions.
Comparing the chosen handouts, Handout 1B shortages cannot be ignored. Although there is a picture of a mosquito, it is hard to understand its appropriateness because not all people know that this virus is mosquito-borne. The author uses several bullet points to divide the content and underline the main facts about the disease. Still, the principles of clarity and language choice were not followed. The font of the title makes it difficult to understand the title quickly, and much time is required to get the main idea. According to NIH (n.d.), plain language includes complete sentence structure and easy results. Handout 1B lacks clear and complete sentences, and the language is too complex for an ordinary reader unaware of all medical terms. NIH (2021b) underlines that experts should not blame the audience for not understanding information but make sure everything is clear on the poster. The chosen handout has to be improved according to the main characteristics of clear and effective communication.
Compared to Handout 1B, Handout 2B has a number of benefits, proving its effectiveness at communicating the chosen message of Zika virus prevention. A representation of an expectant mother, a mosquito, a fetus, and Zika symptoms, together with brief and simple explanations, help the reader get a clear understanding of the topic. The handout communicates clearly that the Zika virus can be spread through mosquito bites and unprotected sex. The images do not indicate differences between races, ethnicities, and religions, which is important for promoting cultural respect and reducing health disparities (NIH, 2021a). In fact, there are many challenges in accepting and using information. NIH (n.d.) states that good and clear writing should tell the reader exactly what has to be known without unnecessary expression. In Handout 2B, questions are mentioned to underline the presence of the expected answers. Comparison results prove that Handout 2B is more effective in using plain language, following health literacy standards, and underlining the value of simplicity and cultural aspects that Handout 1B.
There are several steps through which Handout 1B can be improved for communication of the intended message. The bullet points need correction into sentences that are easy to read and understand. Simple terms that all people can understand should be used. Its heading must be bold, and a more comprehensible font is recommended to remove the reading difficulty. Finally, the author should add more appropriate visuals with brief but up-to-the-point explanations for readers of all ages, races, and genders.
In general, the chosen handouts have their strengths and shortages, and each author made a unique opportunity to discuss the importance of understanding the threats of Zika virus. Some approaches were successfully made, while not all NIH recommendations about plain language, clarity, literacy, and cultural issues were followed. If Handout 2B may be successfully accepted by the audience, Handout 1B needs additional improvements to ensure clear communication and information exchange.
Reference
National Institutes of Health. (2021a). Cultural respect. NIH. Web.
National Institutes of Health. (2021b). Health literacy. NIH. Web.
National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Plain language at NIH. NIH. Web.