Infographic: Let’s Cut to the Chase: The Role of Plain Language Summaries in Medical Research

Plain Language Summaries (PLS) are short explanations of scientific or medical research that translate complex, technical content into language that non-experts can understand.

PLS essentially take a study or published research article, which often uses complex scientific terms, statistics, and jargon, and summarize the key points in everyday, plain language. This gives readers a quick view of what was studied, what was found, and why it matters. Research articles are typically consumed by those within the field, and can be difficult for non-experts like patients, caregivers, policymakers, or the general public to follow. PLS can be a valuable tool in making research findings more accessible and understandable to a broader audience.

Here’s a quick look at how they can improve accessibility, enhance public understanding, and bridge the gap between complex findings and real-world impact.