The CDC Clear Communication Index

The CDC Clear Communication Index (Index) is a research-based tool to help you develop and assess public communication materials.

• The Index has 4 introductory questions and 20 scored items drawn from scientific literature in communication and related disciplines.
• The items represent the most important characteristics that enhance and aid people's understanding of information.

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Everyday Words for Public Health Communication [282KB, 44 pages] offers expert recommendations from CDC’s Health Literacy Council and other agency communicators on how to reduce jargon and replace problematic terms in order to improve real comprehension.

We’ve provided a few examples of the materials we tested with descriptions of what we changed.

• Healthcare-associated Infections
• National Violent Death Reporting System
• Thimerosal

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• Clear Communication Index User Guide
• Full Index Score Sheet [694 KB, 7 pages]
• Modified Index Score Sheet [685 KB, 7 pages]

• Why was the Index developed?
• Who should use the Index?
• How does the Index work?
• How long does it take to use the Index?
• Is the Index only for print consumer and patient materials?

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To send comments, questions, or requests about the Index, please use our online form.