An Editor’s Guide for Safe & Accurate Health Content

Health content is high stakes. A typo in a lifestyle article might confuse a reader. However, an error in medical information can damage trust or, worse, threaten patient safety.  Writers, editors, and content managers therefore carry the responsibility of ensuring accuracy, clarity, and credible information, often while working with external writers who may not have clinical backgrounds.

This checklist will help editors quickly vet health content to ensure it is safe and accurate before publishing to avoid injury to the brand or the reader.

1.        Very sources to ensure accuracy and authority

When it comes to health content, reputable sources are a must-have. Those include peer-reviewed journals, government websites like the CDC, NIH, or WHO, and well-known medical organizations. Citations that link to anecdotal or non-expert blogs or social media should be avoided. Any statistics used should be current, typically considered to be within the last five years. Any facts stated should be cross-checked with at least two different authoritative sources.

2.        Accessibility and Readability

Medical information often goes over the heads of many people. Pieces should be written at a 6th- to 8^th-grade reading level for general audiences, so that information isn’t lost. Medical jargon should be replaced with lay-friendly terms. Layout is important as well- break up text with headings, bullet points, or visuals.

3.        Build Trust and Respect Through Tone

The tone should be inclusive and respectful, with a neutral approach to help avoid sensationalism or fear-based language. For patient-facing materials, a clear and empathetic voice goes a long way. For provider-facing materials, concise, professional tones carry the most weight. When there is mixed evidence or an evolving understanding, acknowledging nuance is crucial for building trust and transparency.

4.        Consistency and Cohesion Across Content

The medical field is replete with various terms for the same concepts. It is also famous for abbreviations that can have multiple meanings. In medical content, aligning terminology so that it’s consistent across the piece is critical. For example, stick to either “heart attack” or “myocardial infarction” but avoid using both terms.

5.        Final Editorial Pass: The Safety & Accuracy Checklist

Ask these questions when finalizing content:

✅ Are all health claims backed by credible sources?

✅ Is the language accessible to the intended audience?

✅ Does the tone inspire trust and authority?

✅ Are the terms used in the piece consistent in their terminology?

✅ Would a healthcare professional approve the accuracy of this piece?

When it comes to health content, editors are the last line of defense against misinformation. The quality and accuracy of the piece can make a massive difference in the reader’s life, for better or for worse. If you are an editor, use the checklist above to ensure your content will reach the audience safely and effectively.