. 2021 Jun 25;29(2):78–87. doi: 10.1177/17579759211016802

Table 3.

Tools that use health literacy principles to aid in clear communication with patients.

Tools	Description	Reference
CDC Clear Communication Index https://www.cdc.gov/ccindex/index.html	Research-based tool to help create and assess materials for patients and caregivers	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (31)
	Index contains 20 items, broken into 4 sections, that guide the focus, wording, design, and impact of the material	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (31)
Shared Decision-Making https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/shared-decision-making/patient-decision-aids	A 5-step tool developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality	Shared Decision-Making (32)
	Framework for patients and care providers to explore, reach, and evaluate treatment options together	Shared Decision-Making (32)
The Rural Women’s Health Project Fotonovela https://www.rwhp.org/fotonovela.html	Community-based outreach tool that brings health information to locations outside of healthcare settings	Rural Women’s Health Project (33)
	Slide show includes examples of when to use a fotonovela, the benefits of using them, and 15 steps to help outreach workers create them	Rural Women’s Health Project (33)
*The Teach-Back* Technique: Communicating Effectively with Patients https://www.merckconnect.com/static/pdf/TeachBack.pdf**	Verbal communication tool that aids patients in understanding and retaining health information	Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp (34)
	Brochure includes tips for how and when to use teach-back, examples of conversations and open-ended questions, and common mistakes	Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp (34)