Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Clear Communication Index

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2014). CDC Clear Communication Index. A Tool for Developing and Assessing CDC Public Communication Products. Retrieved from Organization website: http://www.cdc.gov/ccindex/

Template available Evaluated/validated

Description

This index applies research-based criteria to appraise and create plain language public communication.

Steps for Using Method/Tool

Prior to using the index, users should obtain four key pieces of information:

  1. Who is the primary audience?
  2. What do you know about the health literacy skills of the audience?
  3. What is the primary communication objective?
  4. What is the main message of the material?

The tool includes four open-ended questions with 20 scored questions organized into four categories:

  • Core
  • Behaviour
  • Numbers
  • Risk

A final score is assigned upon completion.

Evaluation

Baur, C., & Prue, C. (2014). The CDC Clear Communication Index is a new evidence-based tool to prepare and review health information. Health Promotion Practice, 15(5), 629–637. https://doi.org/10.1177/1524839914538969

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