In health communication, clarity isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. That’s why one of the most enduring formats in digital communication remains the listicle.
Yes, the listicle. It may carry associations with lifestyle blogs or clickbait headlines, but when done well, it’s an effective tool for building understanding, trust, and engagement across audiences in healthcare.
What Is a Listicle?
A listicle is a structured article built around a numbered or ordered list—typically with subheadings, explanations, or visuals. It offers a clear roadmap through a topic, making it easier to scan, digest, and act on.
You’ve likely used or encountered them before:
- “5 Signs of a Stroke Everyone Should Know”
- “10 Things to Ask at Your Next GP Appointment”
- “7 Lessons from Running a National Health Campaign”
They’re concise, focused, and—when crafted with care—highly effective in reaching busy, distracted, or overwhelmed audiences.
Why Listicles Work in Health Communication
1. They Provide Cognitive Closure
A title like “6 Questions to Ask Before Starting a New Medication” gives readers a straightforward task. It sets expectations and satisfies them. That sense of completion can increase comprehension and retention.
2. They Reduce Information Overload
Especially for patients navigating new diagnoses or caregivers juggling multiple responsibilities, dense paragraphs are daunting. A list offers a manageable way in.
3. They Match Digital Behaviour
Most people don’t read health content from start to finish. They scan for relevance. Listicles cater to that pattern, offering defined entry points that support better engagement.
4. They Support Accessibility
With short sections, bold headings, and bullet points, listicles are easier to navigate, especially on mobile devices or for readers with cognitive or visual impairments.
5. They’re Discoverable and Shareable
Listicles often perform well in search and on social media. Their clear structure is favoured by SEO algorithms and lends itself to being bookmarked, shared, or quoted in other content.
Examples in Healthcare Comms
Patient Education
“7 Questions to Ask Before Elective Surgery”
Used in clinic brochures or hospital blogs, this format empowers patients to participate more actively in their care—and improves shared decision-making.
Public Awareness Campaigns
“6 Myths About Vaccines—Debunked”
Structured myth-busting content can be shared across platforms, from Instagram carousels to printed factsheets. Each point reinforces public trust through clear, evidence-based language.
Internal Communications or Training
“5 Things to Know About the New Referral Process”
Listicles can help clinical staff or administrative teams quickly absorb policy updates without needing to read a full SOP document.
Advocacy and Engagement
“10 Ways to Support People Living with Epilepsy”
Ideal for NGOs or awareness days, these lists can drive real-world action, reinforce respectful language, and make allyship more tangible.
Writing Listicles That Inform—Not Oversimplify
There’s a misconception that listicles are shallow. But in healthcare, the best list-based content doesn’t dilute—it distils. The goal isn’t to reduce nuance but to make key messages more usable.
Here are a few guidelines:
- Be specific. “7 Tips for Mental Health” is vague. “7 Ways to Cope with Post-Surgical Anxiety” is useful.
- Don’t overinflate the count. If you have four strong points, stick with four. Padding the list undermines trust.
- Layer in links or next steps. A good listicle can serve as a gateway to more detailed resources or actions.
- Design with accessibility in mind. Use bold text, short sentences, and consider screen reader compatibility.
- Tailor tone to audience. A patient-facing list needs a different voice than one written for policymakers or funders.
Have you used listicles in your work—successfully or otherwise?
I’d love to hear how they’ve worked (or fallen flat) in your campaigns, publications, or patient materials.
Health Care Social Media 