Topic 2.3 Presenting Information Clearly

Printed Materials

Some information about site activities will likely be presented using print materials during the public health assessment process. Some examples are fact sheets, newsletters, and articles in newspapers or other periodicals. Results of public health investigations are reported in printed documents such as health consultations or public health assessments.

Authors should write their information clearly and accurately so it can be read and understood quickly.

Following are some ideas that have been found effective in presenting printed materials:

• Use bullets;
  
• Use everyday language;
  
• Use lots of white space;
  
• Keep the community's interests and concerns up front.

Some characteristics of a community that might affect how information is presented include the following:

• background and cultural issues;
  
• community members who speak languages other than English;
  
• average reading level in the community.

The presentation should always include information important to the community. Community concerns should be addressed, and all messages should be clear, concise, and accurate.

How should an author evaluate printed materials before distribution?

Information that is presented in print benefits no one if it is not read and understood. Some ways that a health assessor might evaluate printed materials before distributing them to the entire community include:

• asking a few community members to evaluate materials before distribution;
  
• asking for feedback from community members who receive the information;
  
• providing an easy way for community members to give feedback on the material.

If community members decide to share their concerns or observations using written materials, they can use similar methods to test their materials and can ask the health assessor and other team members to review the materials and provide feedback.