Welcome to
Patiently Speaking!
I’m Lori Hall, a registered nurse with over 30 years of experience in patient education, communication, and engagement. Early in my career, I didn’t yet know the term health literacy, but I quickly recognized just how essential it is.
Language is at the heart of health and healthcare.
As a nurse, I witnessed how language could leave patients feeling scared and overwhelmed — or informed, hopeful, and confident. Time and again, I saw that when people understand and feel understood, it profoundly changes how they see themselves as patients. This is where trust is born, and the seeds of engagement take root.
In 2010, I discovered that patient-centered communication had a name: health literacy.
I also learned how low health literacy contributes to poor patient outcomes, making it clear to me why so many patients struggle.
For most people, medicine is like a foreign language—so how can we expect patients to act on information they don’t understand?
Health literacy quickly became central to my career. I’ve worked across industries, ecosystems, and therapeutic areas, including Covid-19, to guide and support colleagues around the world who were trusted to deliver meaningful and understandable health communications that give patients the very best chance to benefit from clinical research participation, innovative treatments, and quality healthcare.
Unfortunately, many healthcare organizations overlook health literacy as a critical internal capability.
Too often, patient understanding is left to chance, resulting in missed opportunities to connect.
I founded Patiently Speaking to address this critical gap. By sharing my expertise across industries, I aim to bridge this divide and help more patients benefit from clear, actionable communication.
I advocate for patients and for businesses.
As a nurse, I’ve always advocated for the needs and best interests of patients. Although I’m no longer working at the bedside, my advocacy continues by addressing patients’ health information needs.
As a health literacy strategist, I also advocate for businesses, helping them connect with patients in meaningful ways that improve both outcomes and the bottom line.
