Patient and Consumer Resources

I turn complex medical research and scientific information into clear, accessible and empathetic messaging for patient and consumer groups (including carers, CALD groups, Indigenous peoples and NDIS users).

I source and cite the most current peer-reviewed research to ensure your content is evidence-based and backed by credible references that are used correctly, while ensuring that the tone, branding and health literacy level create reader trust and engagement.

I also have 20 years of lived experience with a chronic condition* – like almost one in two Australians (49.9%) – according to the most recent Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) National Health Survey data (1). So I deeply understand the patient’s experience and perspective.

My clients include government organisations, health care insurers, health care not-for-profits, pharmaceutical companies, patient groups, research institutes and universities. They choose me because they know that creating high-quality medical and health care content requires a strong scientific background, writing expertise, a track record of successfully executing writing projects and knowledge of relevant guidelines and regulations, including Ahpra and TGA Advertising Code.

Light bulb held in hand in front of a ssunset. Melissa Waine provides communication expertise for health, medical and scientific ideas and projects to bring them to life.

A patient resource book for heart health, titled "Protect your Heart", designed and written by Melissa Waine for the Heart Foundation.

CT, Senior Healthcare Programs Manager, NFP

I had the pleasure of working with Melissa as the content writer for a complex health-related project and I am very pleased with the result. Melissa navigated the complexities of the project while remaining flexible to our evolving needs. Her attention to detail was evident in her work that she passed back to us ahead of schedule. I would be very happy to recommend her to anyone looking for a writer who is efficient, knowledgeable and easy to work with.

*Chronic conditions are non-communicable diseases or long-term health conditions that can cause adverse health effects, including disability and premature death, and are a significant global and national health burden.

FAQs

What are patient or consumer resources?

Patient or consumer resources – such as articles, brochures, blogs, online education modules, ebooks, emails, fact sheets, patient handbooks and website articles – educate patients or consumers and help foster long-term trust and engagement.

These resources must understand the target audience, involve an appropriate health literacy level, be accessible and avoid alienating the target audience with an overuse of medical jargon.

What are the goals of patient or consumer resources?

By educating, engaging and building trust, patient or consumer resources contribute to positive experiences with health care services and health care practitioners. This, in turn, contributes to a higher client retention rate, improved treatment compliance and better healthcare outcomes. Win, win, win.

As a human health and medical copywriter, I have empathy and an understanding of your patient or consumer audience, unlike robotic, AI-generated copy.

When is a patient or consumer resource audit needed?

Patient and consumer resources need to be regularly updated to remain engaging, relevant and accurate. Clinical practice and treatment guidelines change as new data emerges and the evidence base grows.

As well as changes in healthcare practice, older patient resources may contain outdated or insensitive information, wording, content or imagery. Each of these issues can isolate and reduce trust among patients and consumers – exactly the opposite of engaging them.

The tone may be inappropriate, insensitive or even offensive to its target audience.
The language might use a condescending tone and offensive terminology instead of a strengths-based approach that is patient-centred.
The language might be outdated or gendered.
The language and imagery might not be culturally safe.
The resources might not cater to CALD groups whose first language is not English or respect cultural sensitivities.
The resources might not be location-specific or may not cater to those in rural and regional areas who have limited access to assumed healthcare services and professionals.
The organisation’s objectives, tone of voice or style might have changed, and this needs to be reflected in updated resources.