Plain Language Summary — Communicating your research to bridge the academic-lay gap

Science can be complex, but does that mean it should not be accessible to the general public? Scientific jargons often hinder the everyday understanding of research. For researchers, the ability to communicate their findings effectively is paramount for career progression. Researchers often wonder how to transform complex concepts into engaging narratives. A similar problem was encountered by Dr. Keating, a post-doctoral cancer researcher. Communicating her research findings to the lay-public had always been her ultimate motive. However, in the fast-paced world of academia and research, where complexity often reigns supreme, she wondered ways to bridge the gap between academia and the lay public.

As she explored solutions that serve this purpose, she came across Plain Language Summaries.  While the term might sound simple, its implications are profound, especially in fields like healthcare, where simplified communication can improve the public understanding.

What Is a Plain Language Summary

Plain Language Summaries or Lay Summaries, as the name suggests, are concise and accessible summaries of research findings. Crafted in simple language, it promotes easy comprehension of a research to the layman. Unlike traditional abstracts, which cater primarily to academic peers, lay summaries aim to make research understandable and relevant to non-experts. As she read, Dr. Keating wondered, ‘What are the benefits of writing a plain language summary?’ Here’s what she found:

Beyond the confines of academic circles, the impact of research is often measured by its ability to bring changes in society. Dr. Keating was convinced by its ability in amplifying the reach and impact of her research, thereby bolstering her professional reputation and influence.

Furthermore, in healthcare, where research directly impacts patient outcomes, the importance of effective communication cannot be overstated. Additionally, several publishers encourage the creating lay summaries to enhance public engagement with research. By distilling complex medical jargon into plain, understandable language, lay summaries empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and treatment options.

However, she was confused of the difference between plain language summaries and abstracts. She decided to continue her read to know more.

Difference Between Plain Language Summary and Abstract

While abstracts focus on conveying the crux of the research, Plain Language Summaries prioritize clarity and accessibility. Different types of plain language summaries cater this purpose.

Different Types and Structure of Plain Language Summaries

Plain Language Summaries can take various forms, including executive summaries, lay summaries, and policy briefs, each tailored to suit the needs of different audiences. Each type serves a unique purpose, catering to different audience preferences and accessibility needs.

1. Text PLS

Published in a textual format in an article. It generally follows the abstract and shares the main article’s digital object identifier (DOI).

2. Graphical PLS

Published as a separate image or infographic file within an article. It generally follows the abstract and text PLS, shares the main article’s DOI.

3. PLS of publication (PLSP)

Published as a separate article which cites the article it summarizes as a reference. It has its own DOI (different from the reference's DOI). 

Generally, a lay summary follows a structured format, encompassing key elements such as the research question, methodology, findings, and implications in simple, straightforward language.

How To Write a Plain Language Summary

Before Dr. Keating began writing the plain language summary, she decided to refer to an infographic guide on effective tips to write a summary. Curious to know what she referred?

Writing a compelling Plain Language Summary requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Additionally, it is essential to highlight the relevance and real-world implications of the research findings, ensuring that the summary resonates with the target audience.

Dr. Keating invested her time and effort into crafting a comprehensive summary which significantly expanded the reach and impact of her research. Moreover, it attracted attention and appreciation from diverse audiences by increasing the public engagement with her research.

Example of a Plain Language Summary

Here’s the plain language summary written by Dr. Keating:

*The above summary is hypothetical and has been written solely for illustrative purposes, demonstrating an example of a plain language research summary.

Harnessing the Power of Blogging Platforms

In the digital age, blogging platforms like Enago Academy’s Open Platform offer researchers a unique opportunity to share their research with a global audience. By leveraging these platforms, researchers can reach beyond the confines of academia and engage with diverse communities, fostering dialogue and collaboration.

By distilling complex concepts into simple narratives, knowledge dissemination can be promoted beyond the scientific community. It not only represented a transformative approach in science but also drives a positive change and innovation in healthcare and beyond.