Deciphering Medspeak

Medspeak in Plain Language Brochure

Medspeak in Plain Language contains the same content as the original Deciphering Medspeak brochure but is written specifically for consumers with a fifth grade or lower reading level. The brochure was rewritten with the help of the Massachusetts Health Sciences Library Network's (MAHSLIN) Working Group for Health Literacy.

MLA would like to thank the following members of the MAHSLIN group for their assistance with the development of Medspeak in Plain Language:

Dorothy Barr
Donna Beales
Alison Clapp
Margo Coletti, AHIP
James L. Craig, AHIP
Carolyn Dooman
Michelle Eberle

Christine Fleuriel
Cara Helfner
Megan McNichol
Nathan Norris
Danielle Tawa
Jeanie M. VanderPyl

Medspeak in Plain Language (original version) is now available in French! (PDF, 3.81MB)

MLA would like to thank the Canadian Health Libraries Association / Association des bibliothèques de la santé du Canada (CHLA/ABSC) for their help with the translation of this brochure.

Medspeak in Plain Language-Disease Specific

Also available are disease-specific versions of the Medspeak in Plain Language brochure. The Plain Language series now includes Medspeak brochures focusing on specific diseases:

Diabetes
(PDF, 680KB)

Also available in Spanish (PDF, 2.16MB)

HIV-AIDS
(PDF, 690KB)

Download a PDF copy of this plain language brochure on HIV-AIDS.

Stroke
(PDF, 600KB)

Download a PDF copy of this plain language brochure on stroke.

MLA would like to thank the following members of the MAHSLIN group for their assistance with the development of Medspeak in Plain Language: Diabetes, HIV/AIDS and Stroke Brochures:

Diabetes Brochure

Joan Boyer
Brenda Collins
Pat Davis
Joe Holland
Marian de la Cour
Jennifer Lanouette
Nancy Sezak
Jeanie Vander Pyl
Pat Vigorito

HIV/AIDS Brochure

Karen Dorval
Roger Manahan
Fran Becker
Lynn Kleindienst
Sandra Ward
Jennifer Ditkoff
Susan LaForte
Martha Prescott

Stroke Brochure

Florence Mercer
Donna Beales
Deborah Almquist
Ann Tomes
Nancy Serotkin
Jennifer Olsen
Terri Niland
Bill Meunier
Bette Bissonnette
Patricia Boyle
Mary Miller
Patricia Redd
Chin Soon Han
Nancy George

Print Copies

All Deciphering Medspeak brochures may be purchased:

in quantities of 25 of any one brochure (MLA member price: $18.00; nonmembers: $22.00)
in quantities of 50 of any one brochure (MLA member price: $32.00; nonmembers: $40.00)

To order, visit the MLANET Store or contact Tom Pacetti, mlafa@mlahq.org; 312.419/9094 x19. You may also request free, single copies of the brochure by contacting Tomi Gunn, mlams@mlahq.org; 312.419.9094 x11.