Name
Chamberlain University
NR-705: DNP Project & Practicum II
Prof. Name
Date
The Toolkit for Making Written Material Clear and Effective is a comprehensive health literacy resource developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It is designed to help professionals create written materials that are easier to understand, accessible to diverse populations, and more effective in conveying essential information. The toolkit consists of 11 parts, each focusing on specific elements of communication, such as writing style, graphic design, cultural sensitivity, and audience feedback.
This resource is widely recognized for promoting reader-centered communication, ensuring that health information is not only accurate but also presented in a way that is practical, inclusive, and usable for audiences with varying literacy levels. The toolkit is applicable across healthcare, public health, and community-based education settings.
The toolkit is divided into 11 core sections, each addressing a unique area of written communication. Parts 1–3 and 7–11 are single documents, while Parts 4–6 include multiple chapters. This structure provides both a broad overview and in-depth instructions for developing and evaluating written materials.
Toolkit Structure Overview
| Toolkit Part | Content Focus |
|---|---|
| Part 1 | Introduction: Overview of the Toolkit and its practical applications |
| Part 2 | Applying a reader-centered approach to developing and testing written materials |
| Part 3 | Summary of the Toolkit’s guidelines for writing and design |
| Part 4 | Detailed explanation of writing guidelines |
| Part 5 | Understanding and applying graphic design guidelines |
| Part 6 | Collecting and incorporating reader feedback |
| Part 7 | Cautionary guidance on using readability formulas |
| Part 8 | Considerations for presenting information on websites |
| Part 9 | Guidelines for developing materials tailored to older adults |
| Part 10 | Example of revising a brochure (“Before and After”) using Toolkit principles |
| Part 11 | Guidelines for culturally appropriate translation of written materials |
The toolkit allows users to navigate by topic or select specific parts through the Table of Contents or navigation bar, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for professionals working on communication projects.
Written material refers to various printed and instructional formats that are used for educational or informational purposes. These materials often aim to provide patients, families, and communities with knowledge that can guide health-related decisions.
Print formats: brochures, pamphlets, booklets, flyers, posters, postcards, bookmarks, and questionnaires.
Instructional resources: application forms, comparison charts, and instruction sheets.
Although this toolkit primarily focuses on printed communication, it acknowledges the growing importance of digital materials. Part 8 specifically addresses guidelines for online content, highlighting differences in how readers interact with printed versus digital texts.
The toolkit primarily serves individuals who are enrolled in or eligible for Medicare, Medicaid, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). However, it is also designed to assist those who support or work with these populations, such as:
Family members and caregivers
Outreach and community health workers
Agency staff and program administrators
Nonprofit and community organizations
Healthcare providers
While the target audience is CMS-related, the principles outlined in the toolkit are universal and can be applied in almost any context where clear communication is essential. For example, public health campaigns, patient education brochures, and community awareness programs can all benefit from these strategies.
No, the toolkit is not mandatory. CMS does not enforce its use but instead provides it as a voluntary resource to improve the clarity and effectiveness of written materials. Organizations can adapt the guidelines based on their specific audience, communication goals, and cultural context.
This flexibility makes the toolkit an excellent tool for promoting best practices in communication while allowing customization for diverse health systems and populations.
Yes. The CMS toolkit is freely available and may be saved, printed, photocopied, or distributed for professional or personal use. It is particularly helpful for organizations that want to develop standardized communication resources across different teams or regions.
However, it is important to keep in mind the following:
Some examples included in the toolkit are drawn from published or copyrighted sources.
While much of the material is in the public domain, some elements require publisher permission for reuse.
Users intending to reproduce text excerpts, illustrations, or photographs should confirm authorization from copyright holders.
By following these guidelines, professionals can share the toolkit responsibly while ensuring compliance with intellectual property rights.
The Toolkit for Making Written Material Clear and Effective is a practical and valuable resource for improving health communication. It empowers healthcare professionals, educators, and community leaders to create written content that is clear, culturally sensitive, and responsive to audience needs. Though developed for CMS-related programs, its principles extend well beyond, offering universally applicable strategies for enhancing health literacy and patient engagement.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (2012). Toolkit for making written material clear and effective. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. https://www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Outreach/WrittenMaterialsToolkit
National Institutes of Health. (2021). Clear communication: An NIH health literacy initiative. https://www.nih.gov/institutes-nih/nih-office-director/office-communications-public-liaison/clear-communication
