Diane Dlouhy, MD

Patrick Harris, MPA

Communications Team

Division of STD Prevention

National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral

Hepatitis, STDs, and TB Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Describe a realistic process to revise

public-facing scientific content with

clear communication and plain

language principles;

Balancing clarity of message with

nuanced, scientific information;

Creating and maintaining a mutually

respectful, cohesive multidisciplinary

communications work group

SMEs own the fact sheet contents

The communications team owns the

process, including the use of plain

language and clear communication

Selection of subject matter experts

› Getting SMEs on board with the

revision/development of plain language

materials

Quick clarification of review vs revision

Meeting structure and key players

› Handout—Patrick explains

Bifurcation of fact sheets

› How the basic and detailed fact sheets

came to be (description of audience-

centered language barriers and solutions)

Decision to use Q&A format

Response received from general public

after materials went live

Advantages of virtual meetings

› Maintain initial face-to-face

› Accelerate process, accommodate telework

schedules

Competing priorities vis-à-vis availability

and timelines

Communications team has to keep the

process moving

CDC’s Gonorrhea Fact Sheets

› Basic and Detailed

› Smooth road

CDC’s STDs & Pregnancy Fact Sheet

› Basic with table and glossary

› Rocky road

Opportunities for improvement

Diane Dlouhy – IQU0@cdc.gov

Patrick Harris – PBH3@cdc.gov