Certificate in Plain Language for Patient/Public Health Communication

​​​ About the Program

Plain language is an evidence-based approach to mitigating the effects of low health literacy. Low health literacy is prevalent among Canadians and it is associated with decreased patient engagement which leads to poor self-management, poor health outcomes, and is associated with extended use of health care resources in emergency departments and hospitalization.

Offered and developed in collaboration with Continuing Education at the Michener Institute of Education at UHN, the Certificate in Plain Language for Patient/Public Health Communication is designed to support health care professionals and trainees in enhancing their written communication skills with patients and caregivers.

Registration

Email Tina Papadakos at tina.papadakos@uhn.ca.​​

​​​ Objectives

Upon completion of the Certificate in Plain Language for Patient/Public Health Communication, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the role of health literacy in health care
• Describe and identify components of plain language
• Understand plain language within their professional scope of practice
• Practice and improve their written plain language skills
  

​​​ Certificate Requirements

Upon completion of the Certificate in Plain Language for Patient/Public Health Communication, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the role of health literacy in health care
• Describe and identify components of plain language
• Understand plain language within their professional scope of practice
• Practice and improve their written plain language skills​