Patient Information in UpToDate

Help patients take a more active role in their healthcare. With more than 1,500 easy-to-understand Patient Information topics, you can be confident that your patients are reading current and accurate information consistent with the UpToDate evidence-based professional content.
UpToDate patient topics include full-color pictures, graphics, and charts to help the reader understand his or her condition and to reinforce key messages regarding care. 
UpToDate offers two types of Patient Information topics:

The Basics

• Best for patients who want a general overview
• Short (1-3 page) topics written in plain English language, at a Grade 5-6 reading level
• Answers the 4 or 5 most important questions a person might have about a medical condition
• The Basics topics are also available in Spanish

Beyond the Basics

• Best for patients who want more in-depth information and who are comfortable with some technical medical terms
• Longer (5-10 page) articles written in English at a high school health literacy level

These materials educate and promote shared decision-making based on medical evidence, clinical recommendations, and patient preference. Engaging patients in their medical care and treatment decisions often reduces costs and leads to better outcomes.