Clear, accessible communication is fundamental to high-quality medical communications. That’s why ISMPP is proud to support the use of the Multi-Regional Clinical Trials (MRCT) Center’s Clinical Research Glossary, a patient-centered, consensus-driven resource designed to make clinical research terminology understandable, accessible, and actionable for all audiences.
Developed through a rigorous, multi-stakeholder process—including patients, advocates, medical writers, and research professionals—the glossary reflects a shared commitment to clarity and inclusivity in how we communicate science.
Using words that are easy to understand is not a “nice to have”—it is foundational to ethical, effective communication in clinical research. When scientific information is presented in clear, understandable terms, it gives patients, participants, and the broader public the tools to engage meaningfully with research, make informed decisions, and feel taken care of in the process. In this way, plain language transforms complex data into knowledge that can be understood and used, advancing transparency, trustworthiness, health literacy, and equity.
As a globally recognized resource, the MRCT Center’s Clinical Research Glossary supports consistent, high-quality communication across the research ecosystem and reinforces plain language as an emerging standard and best practice in clinical research.
