Bullet points are an incredibly useful technique in health writing. Listing content like symptoms, treatments and medications helps to break down and simplify complex topics and improve your text’s readability.
And, according to Grammarly: “By using bullets, you’re demonstrating that you know how to be concise and cut to the chase.” That’s another benefit. Writing in a bullet point list forces us to shorten our writing and only include the essential information.
If you’re not sure how to use bullet points effectively, read on. This article gives you useful strategies for writing scannable, readable lists.
How to write bullet engaging points in your health and medical content
What are bullet points?
Bullet points, also called bullet lists, are lists of information. But an effective bullet list isn’t just a bunch of sentences reformatted into a list. In fact, there’s an art and a science to effective bullet list writing. When we write lists using the best practices, we help our readers understand our content better.
Why are bullet points important?
Bullet lists, like effective subheadings, support literacy and comprehension. Bullet points are perfect tools for health and medical content – especially patient education material – because they help readers scan essential information and get quick answers. Specifically, bullet points:
- Help readers skim and scan the content
- Summarise complex information easily
- Make content easier to read.
Bullet lists can be:
- One-word items
- Full sentences
- Multiple sentences
- Incomplete sentences
- Questions.
Best practices for writing bullet points
The key to effective bullet list writing is consistency. Make sure your lists follow a consistent structure. You don’t want a list that combines questions, one-word items and multiple sentences.
Every list should have the following:
- Consistent format – for example, every item could begin a verb
- Leading sentence or phrase – the leading sentence or phrase supports the flow of the content
- Same-sized bullets – make sure all the lists have the same size and indent spacing.
What health content can you arrange into a list?
Health and medical content that is easy to read in a list includes:
- Symptoms
- Treatments
- Causes
- Tips
- Actionable items
- Guides
- Instructions
- Procedures.
Any sentence that lists items could be reformatted into a bullet list. Long sentences in particular are difficult to read. If you have sentences that are more than two or three lines, edit them or reformat them into bullet lists.
Should you use layers of bullet points?
A layer or sub-bullet list involves inserting bullet points underneath main points, like this:
- This is the main point
- This is the layer
Sub-bullets can be confusing and difficult to understand at a glance. I recommend avoiding this style unless you have no other option.
Remember that bullet lists should make your writing easier to read and scan. Extra layers can make a list hard to follow.
Bullet point editing tips
When you’re editing bullet lists, consistency is essential. Make sure the following items are consistent:
- Introductory sentence or phrase
- Punctuation (full stops, dashes)
- Phrasing
- Bullet size.
Introductory sentence or phrase
Use a colon (NOT a semicolon) after the introductory sentence or phrase. A bullet list without an introductory phrase may be confusing for your readers.
Phrasing
List items should follow a consistent structure and have a similar amount of words. For example, begin every item with a verb if your list contains instructions.
Punctuation
Commas or semicolons at the end of every list item are not necessary. If the bullet list reads like one long sentence, include a full stop at the end.
Bullet size
Check that the bullet sizes in the document are the same size and spacing.
Examples of bullet point lists
Single-item list
A full stop isn’t needed in this example. Every item is a noun and begins with a capital letter.
Don’t forget to pack these items in your hospital bag:
- Pyjamas
- Toothbrush
- Medications
- Book
- Music.
Long sentence
The full stop at the end of the last point is optional. Capitals are used for each item below but they are optional. Every item is an investigation.
In order to stage a breast cancer, doctors need to know:
- If the cancer is invasive or noninvasive
- How large the tumor is
- Whether the lymph nodes are involved
- If the cancer has spread to nearby tissue or organs.
Bullet list with multiple sentences
The punctuation is consistent and the main item is in bold. Every item is a series of sentences.
Note: Bullet lists with long sentences are hard to read. It is better to break up into shorter sentences. But in health writing, it’s not always possible to use short sentences.
Tests that can help diagnose breast cancer include:
- Mammogram. The most common way to see below the surface of your breast is with a test called a mammogram. Many women over 40 get yearly mammograms to check for breast cancer. If your doctor thinks you may have a tumour, they will request a mammogram. If an abnormal area shows up on your mammogram, your doctor may ask you to have more tests.
- Ultrasound. A breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the tissues deep in your breast. An ultrasound can help your doctor distinguish between a solid mass, such as a tumour, and a benign cyst.
You could also use dashes instead of full stops for the main item (make sure the dashes are consistent).
Tests that can help diagnose breast cancer include:
- Mammogram – the most common way to see below the surface of your breast is with a test called a mammogram. Many women over 40 get yearly mammograms to check for breast cancer. If your doctor thinks you may have a tumour, they will request a mammogram. If an abnormal area shows up on your mammogram, your doctor may ask you to have more tests.
- Ultrasound – breast ultrasound uses sound waves to create a picture of the tissues deep in your breast. An ultrasound can help your doctor distinguish between a solid mass, such as a tumour, and a benign cyst.
Tips or health advice list
Every item begins with a verb. There’s an optional full stop at the end of the final point.
Tips to help you stick to your marathon training plan:
- Put your plan in your calendar so you always know what’s coming up
- Set reminders a few days before your long runs
- Give yourself little rewards after you finish long runs
- Share your long runs on Strava for extra motivation.
Common bullet point list errors
Here’s an example of two lists with an inconsistent structure.
Don’t forget to pack these items in your hospital bag:
- Pyjamas
- Toothbrush and medications
- Book
- Finally, some music if that helps you to relax.
Tips to help you stick to your marathon training plan:
- Put your plan in your calendar so you always know what’s coming up
- Set reminders a few days before your long runs
- After you finish your long runs, give yourself little rewards
- You may also wish to post your long runs on Strava for extra motivation.
This inconsistent structure could confuse and frustrate your reader, causing them to disengage with your writing.
Remember: Lists support readability
Bullet lists make your content easier to read, scan and remember. Always look for opportunities to turn long sentences and complex medical content into lists! When you use lists, you’re helping your readers to understand your content and action your health advice.
