Consider using or adapting an existing resource
Before you create a new resource, check to see if there are any good resources that you could use or adapt. Many health care organizations are willing to share their content, as long as they are acknowledged.
Click on any step listed below to learn more:
Here are few good sources of plain language patient education resources:
Also check the websites of disease-specific organizations. If you need help finding appropriate patient education resources, you can also contact Patient Education
Use the following checklists to help you decide if the resource is appropriate
To adapt a resource developed at St. Michael's Hospital, contact Patient Education
To adapt or print copies of an external resource, you need to have permission from the publisher.
Using an external resource as-is
- If accessed online, check the website's terms of use
- If permission to reprint handout (or use video) is not clear, send an email to the publisher (sample email)
- To include the resource in our Online Health Library, contact Patient Education
Adapting an external resource
- If accessed online, check the website's terms of use
- Contact the publisher, explaining how you would like to adapt the material and how the material will be used (sample email)
- Use the guidelines in the next section to help you adapt the content using plain language
If you need assistance with this process, contact Patient Education
