Explained ‘…in plain English’

To support our work on health literacy and its impact on patient understanding, we developed a series of books and e-books to provide guidance on a range of common health conditions for patients and their families.

Pile of books spread out in a fan shape
Coeliac Disease in plain English book

Coeliac Disease… in plain English

Affecting between one in 100 and one in 300 people worldwide, coeliac disease (CD) is rapidly becoming a major healthcare issue. A life-long condition affecting your body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food, this poorly understood condition can have a major impact on lifestyle. Our e-book aims to answer any questions that patients or their families may have about CD, including the real risks of cross-contamination, the difference between wheat-free and gluten-free and how to manage CD on a daily basis.

Migraine…in plain English

Approximately 1 in 7 people suffer from migraine. Covering things like why and how migraine develops, the signs, symptoms and stages of a migraine attack, the tests that you may be asked to have and how to manage migraine when they occur, this guide provides accessible information to make living with and managing migraine easier for patients, carers and their families.

Migraine in plain English book
Clinical Trials Explained in plain English book

Clinical Trials… in plain English

Being asked if you would like to participate in a clinical trial or deciding to volunteer as a healthy participant can be a daunting prospect. Our guide starts with the basics, explaining how clinical trials work and why they are important. It also answers any questions people may have about the process and explains what you could expect if you decide to join one.

Rheumatoid Arthritis…
in plain English

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition causing pain, swelling and stiffness for millions of people every day, worldwide. With no cure, RA can have a major impact on mobility if not treated early. Written as a guide for people recently diagnosed with RA, or for friends and family of people with the condition, our book provides information on why and how RA develops.

Rheumatoid Arthritis in plain English book
Pain in plain English book

Pain…in plain English

Based on the writer’s personal experience of living with chronic pain, this guide aims to help people understand what pain is and how to manage it on a daily basis. Providing information on topics such as why and how pain develops, what you should tell your doctor, the treatments you may be given and how to manage your pain on a day-to-day basis, this book is also a useful guide for anyone close to someone living with pain.

High Blood Pressure…
in plain English

High blood pressure affects more than a fifth of adults across the world. Developed as a guide for anyone who thinks they may have high blood pressure or for those who have recently been diagnosed with hypertension, our e-book provides information on how and why hypertension develops, advice on monitoring your blood pressure, the treatments you may be given and possible lifestyle changes that you can make.

High Blood Pressure in plain English book
Osteoporosis in plain English book

Osteoporosis… in plain English

Literally meaning ‘porous bones’, osteoporosis is a condition which causes bones to lose their strength and become more likely to break. Written in an easy to read format, this book is a useful guide for anyone who may be affected by the condition. Providing information on how the condition develops, the tests that may be involved and tips on improving bone strength, it aims to help people understand what life is really like with the condition.

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