🇺🇸 U.S. Resources for Accessible Healthcare Communication

 

1. MedlinePlus Easy-to-Read Health Information

MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, offers a comprehensive collection of easy-to-read health information. These materials are designed to be clear and to follow best practices in health literacy, making them accessible for individuals with limited literacy skills. MedlinePlus

2. Widgit Health Resources

Widgit Health provides a range of symbol-supported communication tools, including:

• Medical Encounter Board: Developed in partnership with the Patient Provider Communication Network, this board aids communication during medical encounters.

• Bedside Messages: A set of 26 key phrases supported by symbols, available in 28 different languages, to assist patients in expressing needs and feelings.

• Hospital Procedures Pack: Resources designed to help patients with learning difficulties understand hospital procedures and what to expect during their stay. Widgit Software

3. Lingraphica Communication Boards

Lingraphica offers free printable communication boards that use symbols and simple language to assist patients in expressing their needs. These boards focus on basic wants and needs as well as hospital and health-specific vocabulary. Lingraphica

4. CardMedic

CardMedic is a healthcare language app that provides clear and instant access to thousands of clinically interpreted interactions in over 200 languages. It includes features like easy read with pictures, sign language videos, and adjustable font sizes to overcome communication barriers between healthcare staff and patients. CardMedic

5. Clear & Simple by the NIH

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) provides guidelines for developing health information materials for people with limited literacy skills. These guidelines outline steps for creating materials that are clear, simple, and accessible, ensuring that health information is understandable for a broader audience. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

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While these resources are not a direct equivalent to the UK's Easy Read Hospital Communications Handbook, they offer valuable tools and guidelines to support accessible communication in healthcare settings. If you're interested in specific resources tailored to certain patient populations or healthcare settings, feel free to ask for more detailed information.

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