CDC Clear Communication Index

This resource tool from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a set of criteria designed to help assess and develop public communication materials. The tool aims to aid in creating public messages and materials that are clear and understandable for intended audiences, such as the general public, clinicians, health department staff, or policymakers. The Index is designed for anyone involved in developing public health communication products.

The Index includes four open-ended introductory questions and 20 scored items, which are used to assess the clarity of communication materials. Users can utilize the Index to plan and evaluate print and web materials, written scripts, infographics, and social media messages, such as Facebook or Twitter posts. The Index assesses materials across seven main areas:

• 1. Main Message and Call to Action
• 2. Language
• 3. Information Design
• 4. State of the Science
• 5. Behavioral Recommendations
• 6. Numbers
• 7. Risk

The Index provides an overall score for material on a scale of 100 based on each area and an explanation. The Index takes approximately 15 minutes to complete. In addition to the online version, users can also access a printer-friendly version of the Index Score Sheet. Additional information on how best to utilize the Index can be found in the user guide, and users can view examples of materials designed using the Index.