From overwhelming to actionable: Bringing health information to life

In the UK, 43% of adults find written health information hard to understand. In this series, we’re shining a light on how clear communication can change patient materials for the better. At Cuttsy & Cuttsy, we believe that when patients can find, understand, and use health information, they’re empowered to take control of their health journey. That’s why we weave the principles of health literacy into everything we do.

To demonstrate how we do this, we’re sharing before-and-after examples to show how simple changes in language, structure, and design can make a real difference.

Here’s our first example:

Before:

The information was presented as a plain, bullet-pointed list with long sentences that were difficult to read.

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After:

We reworked each point into a clear, standalone, focused message. We deliberately removed excess information from the lengthy bulleted list and made intentional use of white space, so the information feels less cluttered. We used plain language and added supporting illustrations, to act as visual summaries, which can serve as stronger reminders.Now, the information is much easier to digest. By making the information clearer and more engaging, we help patients absorb every key point, rather than just skimming past a long, overwhelming list. Clearer materials support better understanding and adherence, which is what health literacy is all about.