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Press Releases

February 2008

New "Plain Language" Deciphering Medspeak Brochure Now Available

New "Plain Language" Deciphering Medspeak Brochure Now Available

The Medical Library Association (MLA) is pleased to announce that a plain language version of its popular Deciphering Medspeak brochure is now available. The brochure, Medspeak in Plain Language, offers the same information as the original but is written specifically for low literacy consumers.

Rewritten with the help of the Massachusetts Health Sciences Library Network's (MAHSLIN's) Working Group for Health Literacy, the Medspeak in Plain Language version contains a glossary of medical terms described in language that is easier for consumers with fifth-grade or higher reading levels to understand. As in the original version, the brochure also includes a prescription shorthand list and MLA's Top Ten Most Useful Health Websites, both of which were unchanged.

MLA also plans to work with the MAHSLIN group on plain language versions of its disease-specific Deciphering Medspeak brochures. The association thanks MAHSLIN for their invaluable assistance with this project.

Medspeak in Plain Language is available for purchase in quantities of 25 for $18.00 for MLA members and $22.00 for nonmembers. Quantities of 50 can be purchased for $32.00 for members and $40.00 for nonmembers. The full series of Deciphering Medspeak brochures is also avalable on MLANET.

MLA is a nonprofit, educational organization with more than 4,500 health sciences information professional members worldwide. Founded in 1898, MLA provides lifelong educational opportunities, supports a knowledgebase of health information research, and works with a global network of partners to promote the importance of quality information for improved health to the health care community and the public.

For more information, please contact Evelyn Shaevel, mlaedo1@mlahq.org, 312.419.9094 x15.