Technical Writing & Communication: A Primer

Plain language is grammatically correct language that includes complete sentence structure and accurate word usage. Writing that is clear and to the point helps improve communication and takes less time to read and understand.

Medical concepts and language can be complex. People need easily understandable health information regardless of age, background or reading level. MedlinePlus offers guidelines and resources to help you create easy-to-read health materials.

Aveyard, H., Sharp, P., & Wooliams, M. (2011). A beginner's guide to critical thinking and writing in health and social care. Maidenhead, Berks: Open University Press.

Stuart, M. C. (2007). The complete guide to medical writing. London: Pharmaceutical Press.

Iles, R. L. (2003). Guidebook to better medical writing. Olathe, Kan: Robert L. Iles.

Fondiller, S. H., Nerone, B. J., & Fondiller, S. H. (2007). Health professionals style manual. New York: Springer Pub.

Rogers, S. M. (2014). Mastering scientific and medical writing: A self-help guide. Berlin: Springer.

Taylor, R. B., & Taylor, R. B. (2011). Medical writing: A guide for clinicians, educators, and researchers. New York: Springer.

DeRenzo, E. G., & Moss, J. (2006). Writing clinical research protocols: Ethical considerations. Burlington, MA: Elsevier Academic.

Terryberry, K. J. (2005). Writing for the health professions. Australia: Thomson/Delmar Learning.

Williams, D. (2002). Writing skills in practice: A practical guide for health professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.

Funk, S. G., & Tornquist, E. M. (2015). Writing winning proposals for nurses and health care professionals. New York: Springer.

The AMA Manual of Style (11th ed.) contains information that medical and scientific researchers, writers, and editors need to produce well-organized, clear, readable, and authoritative manuscripts.

Examples for Technical and Research reports, Data Sets, Software, Measurement Instruments, & Apparatus.

Samples of formatted references for authors of journal articles.