Medical Information in Plain Language: A Health Literacy Resource Guide  

Doctor, would you explain that to me again in plain language?

What exactly is the meaning of a medical word your doctor recently used?

Have you been frustrated by confusing instructions about taking medications..... or preparing for a medical test?

It can be discouraging to hear a medical condition explained in technical language that you don't understand.  

Understanding a certain medical condition's treatment and outlook may be of great importance to you and your family.

Perhaps it would be helpful to read about medications and medical conditions in "plain language."

This Health Literacy Resource Guide offers explanations of medical words and illnesses in language that may help you understand your doctor's descriptions.

This Guide also includes suggestions to help you talk with your doctor and other health care workers. 

Since this resource guide is a publication of Healthnet: Connecticut Consumer Information Network, a program of the Lyman Maynard Stowe Library, University of Connecticut Health Center, it includes Connecticut resources, as well as national resources, when they are available.

Books listed on this Guide may be available at your public library. If your library does not own a book you would like to read, the library may be able to borrow a copy for you from another library. Also, Connecticut residents may borrow books directly from other public libraries within the state with their own town library card.

Although advertisements may appear on some Internet websites in this Guide, the University of Connecticut Health Center Library makes no recommendations for these products or services nor endorses them.