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How to develop patient-friendly medical communications

Patient-friendly medical communications are essential for improving and encouraging patient understanding, health equality, trust and partnership.

This guide equips patient group leaders, staff, and advocates with the skills and resources to communicate confidently and compassionately with patients and carers across a broad spectrum of topics, formats, and contexts. It supports Beacon’s mission by ensuring medical communication materials and conversations are clear, accessible, accurate, transparent and patient-focused.

Enrol now to access practical guidance, real-world examples, and useful tools for developing patient-friendly medical materials!

With thanks to:

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We’d like to thank Costello Medical for providing pro bono support in the creation of this course.

Resource type

Course

Skill level

Beginner

Duration

Est. 1 hour

Last updated

January 2026

Resource type

Course

Skill level

Beginner

Duration

1h

Last updated

January 2026

What will you learn?

  • Why patient-friendly communication is important

 

  • Key features of patient-friendly communication
  • Strategies for tailoring patient communication to the audience

 

  • Practical tips for developing patient-friendly materials

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for anyone supporting, informing, or advocating for patients – whether as community leaders, charity staff, healthcare professionals, or volunteers.
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Resource Content

Introduction
Introduction
Why patient-friendly communication matters
Improved understanding and empowerment
Trust, transparency and partnership
Health equality
Strengthening support networks
What makes patient-friendly communications?
Ethics
Ethical considerations when creating patient-friendly communications
How to tailor your communication appropriately
How to write in a patient-friendly way
How to tailor communications to the audience
How to create age-appropriate communication
How to make your communications accessible
Strategies for effectively communicating with underserved communities
Ensuring accessible communication
Developing patient-friendly materials
Practical tips for developing patient-friendly materials
Designing engaging patient materials
Scenarios and suggested approaches
Scenarios and suggested approaches
Examples of effective patient communications
Examples of effective patient communications
Further resources
Further resources
Feedback
Feedback