Strengthening Scientific Communication with Inclusive, Accessible Tools
At ISMPP 2025, a clear imperative emerged: the future of medical publications reporting must be more inclusive, accessible, and patient-centered. Central to this shift are publication extenders—tools such as plain lay summaries of publication (PLSPs), graphic or video abstracts, and podcasts designed to translate peer-reviewed content into formats that resonate with non-specialist audiences.
With respect to PLSPs, although awareness of them is growing, their adoption remains limited due to underinvestment by journals and publishers, lack of standardized development approaches, and limited author experience. With greater attention to inclusive and patient-centered communication, publication extenders play a growing role in expanding the reach of scientific publications.
Key Barriers to Effective Implementation
Several factors are limiting the meaningful adoption of publication extenders within the medical publishing ecosystem:
Perceived Tokenism
- Patients may lack trust in members of the medical/scientific community. Authentic collaboration requires involvement from the beginning, focusing on shared ownership and meaningful contribution.
Insufficient Training and Support
- Many patients lack familiarity with the structure, purpose, and standards of medical publications. Equipping them with proper education and including them in initiatives such as developing guidelines and/or peer-reviewed research fosters stronger partnerships and more impactful outcomes.
Limited Time & Resources
- The industry’s fast-paced environment and current publications workflows don’t always accommodate patients’ busy lives. Industry partners must be mindful of patients’ time and consider providing the appropriate compensation to build respect and trust.
Gaps in Accessibility
- Differences in language, hearing or visual impairment, and platform usage can all limit the reach and utility of extenders. Publications must be intentionally designed (e.g., graphical abstracts, videos, podcasts, etc.) to help encourage equitable access to health resources and build trust between patients and other community members.
Lack of Representation
- A small group of patient advocates is often repeatedly consulted, which may limit the diversity of perspectives. Broader outreach is needed to capture a wider range of experiences and ensure content resonates with diverse populations.
Resources and Best Practices to Support Progress
Several initiatives are underway to address these challenges:
- The forthcoming ISMPP Publication Extenders Toolkit will provide best practices and standards for consistent development.
- The PLS Finder—currently in funding stages—will serve as a publicly accessible database of PLSPs, enhancing discoverability and reach.
- The soon-to-be-released ISMPP Patient Partnership Guiding Principles will offer a framework for building ethical, effective, and inclusive partnerships with patient contributors.
Our team remains closely attuned to this evolving field, ensuring alignment with emerging standards and best practices to deliver appropriate, innovative solutions that support meaningful progress.
A Strategic Imperative for Publication Professionals
For scientific publication teams, the opportunity is clear: develop communication strategies that reflect where and how patients consume information, whether on platforms like LinkedIn, Reddit, or Facebook, and that address their informational needs in a relevant, respectful, and empowering way.
When executed thoughtfully, publication extenders are not just communication supplements—they are strategic tools that enhance comprehension, improve health literacy, and elevate the societal impact of scientific research.
Our Commitment
Herspiegel’s Publications Team collaborates closely with patients, authors, and industry partners to co-create materials that are not only scientifically rigorous but also truly accessible and inclusive. By integrating these tools early in the publication planning process, we help ensure that the science reaches and resonates with the audiences who need it most.
