Mark Gibson MA is a Consumer Information Specialist based in Leeds, England. He is a linguist, translator, and journalist who now focuses on readability testing and information design. Building on his research in patient communication, Mark designs information that is appropriate for diverse audiences – including those with limited English proficiency, low literacy skills, and sight loss.

In this podcast he compares and contrasts ways to assess readability in the European Union (EU) and the United States. Topics include:

• Assessing readability: How does the system used in the EU compare to that in the United States?
• EU process of assessing readability: What works well and what does not?
• Lessons learned and resources that listeners can use right away.

More Ways to Learn:

• Mark Gibson’s business is RiW Design Ltd, www.riw-design.com You can contact him directly by email at mark@gibsonrs.eu
• Gibson M, Hochhauser M. “Readability Testing: European Performance vs USA Formulas,” SoCRA Source: A Publication of the Society of Clinical Research Associates. May 2010:69-71.
• Sless D, Wiseman R. Writing About Medicines for People. Canberra: Australian Government Publishing Service, 1997
• Guideline on the Readability of the Labelling and Package Leaflet of Medicinal Products for Human Use, European Medicines Agency, Revision 1, 12 January 2009. Available at http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/pharmaceuticals/files/eudralex/vol-2/c/2009_01_12_readability_guideline_final_en.pdf [last accessed 09Jun2010]

No Comments »

No comments yet.

RSS feed for comments on this post.

Leave a comment

Name (required)

Mail (will not be published) (required)

Website