Health Literacy Design Services

Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network Patient Portal Information Tool.

Designing with health literacy parameters and plain language, the brochure was made available both electronically and as an interactive PDF and HTML format for various distribution options.

The design was developed in both English and Spanish versions. The Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN) comprises over 70 experts who make up its Scientific Advisory Board. Many of them represent major cancer centers in the United States and Canada, ranging from urologists, oncologists,
radiologists, and pathologists.
Some of the primary sections focused on defining bladder cancer, how lifestyle and other health conditions could contribute to a diagnosis of bladder cancer. In addition, how to best find and organize a healthcare team for treatment options, including participation in a clinical trial, and life after a bladder cancer diagnosis.

I Can Communicate Better With Patients

Health Care Communications of Southern California (HCC) awarded this booklet the "Finest Award Winner" for excellence in healthcare communication. Its design and structure are intended to help healthcare providers and caregivers improve their patient communication skills. The booklet was designed, written, and prepared for both English and Spanish-speaking audiences.

The booklet was written by health literacy and health equity experts Jann Keenan, Ed.S, and Julia Wittern, M.A., in collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Advancement.

This booklet's goal was to help HCPs learn to communicate with diverse patient populations, overcome cultural and disability barriers, and explain complex health topics in ways patients understand.

Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation Plain Language Guide

This guide was created by the PKD Foundation as a plain language summary of the KDIGO2025 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation, Management, and Treatment of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). It is intended to assist anyone impacted by ADPKD, including patients, care partners, and families, in understanding the basic recommendations provided in the guideline and support shared decision-making conversations with healthcare providers.

Manage Type 2 Diabetes wins ClearMark Award of Distinction

In collaboration with the Institute for Healthcare Advancement, this brochure was awarded as a finalist and recipient of the ClearMark Award of Distinction in the category of “Brochure over 10 pages” with ” iCan Manage Type 2 Diabetes: Up-to-date information on ways to live well with diabetes”.

The finalist and winner of the Award of Distinction was the ” iCan Manage Type 2 Diabetes: Up-to-date information on ways to live well with diabetes. This brochure was developed and designed to further the engagement of patient-centric behaviors and results by utilizing well-written plain language and health literacy design principles to facilitate this initiative.

The brochure structure and design encompassed sections covering topics such as identifying, managing, implementing lifestyle changes, and a success story when dealing with type 2 diabetes. The brochure concluded with a positive and empowering message and the premise of “I can!” along with answers to common questions about managing type 2 diabetes.

Help Your Child Manage Their Anxiety

This brochure on anxiety was created for digital and analog distribution to various health networks as a guide of practical tips to help parents and caregivers better understand how to support a child with the challenges of anxiety.

The core initiative was to present an easy-to-read booklet (English and Spanish) for those dealing with heightened anxiety. We worked in tandem with the writer and the non-profit to design and develop a plain language tool to help those in need. The brochure also included a personal story to provide a real-world example that readers can relate to, regardless of demographic or socioeconomic background.

The micropub was broken down into sections covering various lifestyle changes to address panic and anxiety, such as how to handle your fears, managing news and social media, and when to seek help, along with a quick-answer section.

Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation–Patient Guides

Working in conjunction with the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation and GV CERV Communications, a series of patient education guides were developed for patients and caregivers living with aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), covering topics such as diagnosis, treatment, and disease management. These patient guides were available in print and online and were translated into five foreign languages.

Each brochure covered essential topics and helpful guides pertaining to:

• Questions to ask your doctor once diagnosed with MDS
• Understanding your treatment options
• What to expect with treatment using FDA-approved medications
• Success stories and treatment tracking tools

iCan Manage My High Blood Pressure

This patient guide has been designed and developed to help patients get started on the best way to manage their high blood pressure. This four-part guide also includes a real patient story along with clear tables and graphics to help patients of all reading levels take control of their high blood pressure.

CDC H1N1 and seasonal flu brochure and Fact Sheet Series

Working in conjunction with CDC and DHHS, we designed a dual-language brochure to help caregivers and family members care for those infected with the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu.

This brochure was written in both English and Spanish with culturally relevant graphics. Chapters were written and designed in accordance with health literacy guidelines. Topics covered included how flu germs spread, signs and symptoms, how to prepare a sick room, medication safety, and treatment at home. In addition, to support this public health initiative, a series of fact sheets were developed focusing on specific topics during the H1N1 Flu Season.