Make patient information easy to read beyond a PDF

What this means for your practice

Consider a readable web page alongside the document where it helps patients. Ask the supplier to review the actual download, including how its information is read in order and accessed using reading aids.

A practical example

For example, practical arrival instructions can be available as readable web text with a printable version alongside. Ask someone to find the main instruction using a phone, and ask the supplier how the document works with reading aids. The service team must confirm the wording in both formats. A good result gives people a usable route to the same information without making one format the only possible way to prepare.

Check whether the document's headings and links work in the exported file, not just in the editable original. A clear source document can lose useful navigation during export. Ask the supplier to demonstrate the reading route with the actual file patients will download.

Make this improvement work

Consider the task the download serves before deciding its format. Someone looking for one preparation instruction on a phone may benefit from a maintained web explanation alongside a printable document. Ask the supplier to review the actual exported file, including reading order, links and the use of appropriate reading aids. A visually tidy PDF is not enough evidence of an accessible reading experience. Keep the web and document versions tied to the same approved information. Test a specific instruction-finding task so the review reveals practical difficulties rather than ending with a general assurance that the file opened successfully.

How to check the result

Count essential documents without a reviewed accessible route.