Plain language in science communication: from the lab to the world
February 1st, 2023, PATRÍCIA RODRIGUES
Transforming scientific research into understandable and relevant data for lay readers is no easy task. But such information can have a big impact on social development and people’s lives. In this blog post, I write about (and advocate for) using plain language in science communication.
Nowadays, scientists and publishers want to share their science and expertise not only with peers but also with a broader audience. In fact, if we take the argument for open access science a bit further, to make the information available to everyone, that should include patients, consumers, and the non-scientific population — in short, lay audiences.
On the other hand, we have seen a rise in public interest in reliable and transparent information. In health, for instance, information is a matter of interest, need, safety, and wellbeing, as became evident during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although both sides want to come closer, science is a complex matter and is mostly written for experts in the field. Coded language, jargon, intricate ideas, and an overwhelming level of detail make it very hard for a lay reader to understand the information. How do we bridge this gap? With plain language.
Plain language makes the information understandable for lay audiences
According to the International Plain Language Federation, “a communication is in plain language if its wording, structure, and design are so clear that the intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find, and use that information”. To write in plain language we have to consider the audience, the purpose of the communication, the structure of the text, the design, and the words we use. Most importantly, plain language rules also recommend testing the information before publishing it.
Plain language is essential when the information is for a lay audience, whether it is about science, health, finances, or politics. As an example, back in 1997, the European Union published the manual “How to write clearly” to help craft information for different audiences, including the general public. This was the first step of a broader initiative called “Clear writing for Europe”, still active and growing. To know about the 2023 Clear Writing for Europe Conference, click here.
Related article (in Portuguese): Linguagem clara: 9 perguntas e respostas que precisa saber.
Back to science: the example of plain language summaries
One way to disseminate science to larger audiences is through plain language summaries of research studies (PLS). The goal of such summaries is to translate scientific work into simple, accessible, and easy-to-comprehend information. This is especially important if the authors want to reach people outside the scientific community, and even more so if the audience has lower education levels.
Several journals already ask the authors to provide this lay summary. However, a recent study found that we still have some way to go. This work analyzed 4360 Cochrane plain language summaries of interventional studies regarding conclusiveness, linguistic characteristics, and readability level. The authors revealed that most summaries did not provide a clear conclusion and were difficult to read by the non-expert population. Not plain enough, I would say!
What about medical information?
Although rigorous information about medical conditions, medical procedures, and medicines is available for patients, many sources are not known to the public and the information is not adequate for a lay audience. That gives PLS a tentative role in linking clinical research and patients’ lives.
In a recent study, patients and physicians were surveyed and interviewed to learn how they valued PLS. Patients considered PLS as a way to gain and share knowledge, and most of them agreed that health information should be available in plain language. One patient said:
“Plain language tools are very important to empower patients; scientific information that is not understandable might be discouraging to patients.
We need to focus on the messages that are of value to patients, not just of interest to the scientific community … to focus on the value that can come from understanding the science, i.e., the practical and relevant information that can have a positive impact on patients’ QoL, so it is important to optimize utilization of such tools. We need to translate science into messages that are relevant to patients.”
As for physicians, PLS can facilitate communication with patients, save time and foster shared-decision making. One physician noted that:
“[It is] easier when patients know more about their disease, as it brings them on a partnership level with the physician. It is a relief for many physicians and saves them time when patients are not completely dependent on them for knowledge.”
To sum up, understandable and relevant lay summaries can empower patients, improve patient-physician communication, and increase health literacy. That’s a strong argument for plain language, do you agree?
Related article (in Portuguese): Informação de saúde fácil de ler, entender e usar: Contributo da linguagem clara para a saúde
Plain language offers advantages for scientists, public, and society
Although one might think that plain language serves only non-scientific people, that is not the case. How common is it to read a paper within one’s field of expertise that is confusing and intellectually demanding? This effort is even greater if one reads documents about other disciplines.
On the contrary, using plain language when writing manuscripts, allows the interchange of knowledge that might lead to creative problem-solving solutions and, possibly, revolutionary breakthroughs. If the information is clear and understandable, scientists will reach more people, be more cited, and have a bigger impact in the field. Due to this exposure, including press and social media, access to grants and professional opportunities can increase.
From the public’s point of view, having access to easy-to-understand data facilitates informed decision-making and increases engagement in scientific research. As communication between specialists and non-specialists improves, so will trust in science and scientific literacy.
Using plain language in science communication sounds easy — but is not
Converting complex concepts into non-technical information is harder than it sounds. We need to choose the words carefully and select the information mindful of the readers, highlighting the practical impacts for them.
The audience wants to know “Why is this important for me? These scientists made this discovery, so what? What do I have to do, then?”. But there is a fine line between useful information and too many details; between simple, yet scientific, and simplistic language; between some background information, as opposed to diving deep into the theory. In addition, we need to convey results and uncertainty objectively, without bias — not easy.
Another obstacle is the words we use in science. They are very technical and complex; in addition, every discipline has its own jargon. One cannot expect, nor presume, that the public is familiar with all the scientific terms and concepts!
Related article (in Portuguese): 10 mitos sobre linguagem clara
Helping scientists communicate with lay audiences
Authors are used to writing in a formal and technical fashion, that’s their comfort zone. Switching to plain language is unnatural and demands training. Some journals and other sources offer guidelines on how to do it, but, as reported above, the translation into plain information is not always successful. Thus, a checklist of rules is not enough.
Taking all into account, there is a call for awareness and training about plain language writing in the scientific community. These initiatives could be led by universities, research institutes, or even publishers. Securing leadership support is key in making clear that we need to share scientific information in a lay-friendly manner, which means using plain language.
Even so, one must be ready to find some resistance. Frequent objections are: “If I want to be precise and correct, I need to use jargon”; “If I simplify, people might misinterpret”; “I will sound unprofessional”.
At this point, it is ever more important to clarify the goal of the communication: to disseminate the knowledge, inform and empower the audience. For that, we need to use words, analogies, examples that are familiar to our reader. We can’t communicate without common ground — meaning, common language. Also, reputation cannot be at risk, on the contrary: great scientists must be great communicators, and great communicators speak the language of people. As the evidence for plain communication grows, I believe these voices will lose their grip.
In sum
More and more scientists are willing to share and disseminate their knowledge. But the language of science is complex and scientists are not used to translating it into simple information. From the public’s perspective, the interest and search for reliable and scientific information are also growing. To bridge this gap, we need a new way to communicate science to lay readers: that is when plain language comes into play. The goal of plain language is to provide a well-organized text, concise message, and simple information that considers the audience’s preferences. Because plain language recommendations are still quite unknown — or unwelcome — in the scientific community, more awareness and training are needed.
Communication works for those who work at it.
John Powell, film composer
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