Turning policy into practice through clear immunisation content

Discovery and strategy Effective content Quality assurance Visual communication Health

Immunisation providers rely on the Australian Immunisation Handbook for the latest clinical guidance on vaccines. Biotext has worked with the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on the handbook for many years – from the initial digital transformation through to ongoing updates.

We take highly technical source material and turn it into plain-language web content for health professionals. Importantly, the rewritten content retains the accuracy of the evidence-based recommendations, while making it faster and easier for busy health professionals to access the information they need.

Our role

  • Content audit and analysis
  • Information architecture
  • Content design and structure
  • Web writing
  • Copyediting and proofreading
  • Accessibility and findability
  • Work with subject matter experts
  • Infographics

Our solution

In 2018, Biotext was engaged to rewrite the Australian Immunisation Handbook for digital delivery. Working closely with user experience specialists and subject matter experts, we transformed the 600-page printed book into an intuitive and interactive online experience. We also developed a series of infographics to give health professionals a quick visual guide to complex topics.

We transformed the content from dense academic-style text to plain language, while retaining accuracy and nuance. We maintained a focus on readability to ensure that the content met Grade 10 reading level or below, as well as accessibility and other digital standards.

We continue to provide ongoing technical writing support for the handbook. When vaccination recommendations need to change (for example, in response to a new vaccine or a change in the immunisation schedule), the proposed updates must undergo public consultation. We write a public consultation document that explains the proposed changes in plain language, so that consumers can understand how the new recommendations may affect them and their families. The document also details the rationale and scientific evidence behind the new recommendations, so that health professionals can be assured of the rigorous evidence-based process. Once the changes are finalised, we edit the chapter before publication, as well as any related infographics.

Outcomes

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