Why Plain Language Summaries?

“Many critical research questions can’t be answered without the partnership of volunteers who join clinical trials. Providing plain language trial summaries is one way to report the findings of clinical trials back to volunteers, demonstrating transparency with respectful and appropriate information and empowering volunteers and the public to engage in conversation about science and their health. This advances science and helps health research live up to its central purpose: to improve people’s health and overall quality of life.”

Biography:

Catina O’Leary, PhD, LMSW, is President and CEO at Health Literacy Media (HLM). Catina oversees HLM’s core activities and works to set and maintain the strategic vision for the organization. Before joining HLM in 2012, Catina led large-scale research projects at Washington University School of Medicine at sites across the US and internationally. Catina’s research interests were focused on HIV prevention, mental and behavioral health interventions, and community engaged interventions to connect people with medical and social resources aimed at improving health behaviors, preventing illness, and improving overall health and well-being. Catina is a member of many boards and committees, including the International Health Literacy Association’s Standing Committee on Strategic Planning and Implementation and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Health Literacy.