What Is Clean Language?
Clean Language is a set of precise questions - and a way of asking them - that helps people get to the heart of what matters most. Developed by David Grove, it has been used in healthcare for over 30 years.
This page brings together the best resources for healthcare professionals who want to know more.
Why It Matters In Healthcare
How Clean Language Is Being Used In Healthcare
Real examples from clinicians, nurses, and healthcare teams - and why it works.
Why Might You Try Clean Language?
What healthcare professionals say about the benefits - in their own words.
The Hidden Structure of Difficult Conversations
Why some conversations go wrong - and a precise way to fix them.
The Evidence
Clean Language in Healthcare: Peer-Reviewed Research
Published in BMJ Open Quality - evidence that Clean Language improves clinical conversations.
Bypassing Bias - Conference Poster
Presented at the Association of Diabetes Care and Education Specialists conference 2025, the leading US diabetes education conference.
Other Publications Featuring Clean Language
More than 150 articles published in academic and professional journals have incorporated the ideas of David Grove.
Hear From Healthcare Professionals
Clean Language In Primary Care — 25 Years Ago
A retired London GP shares how David Grove's questions transformed her consultations.
How To Use Clean Language To Stop Rescuing
A podcast episode for healthcare professionals — practical and immediately useful.
Stories From The Community
Healthcare professionals share how they use Clean Language in their work.
What's Already Happening
In End-Of-Life Care
Caring professionals in the UK hospice sector, especially in the south west of England, are introducing this approach - especially in difficult conversations.
in Health Coaching and Social Prescribing
Social Prescriber Zoe Hepper found that by using Clean Language, she reduced her appointments by 83 per cent - and made them higher quality.
in Meetings and Team development
"It's easy to use, effective and I’ve been using it at home as well as at work – it’s going to be great for the grandkids I’m sure. Thank you so much!" Lisa Bellamy, Head of Business and Service Development, Children and Families Care Group, Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
Get Involved
get Connected
Over 200 healthcare professionals using Clean Language - join the email list for updates and invitations.
Online Meetups
Regular online meetings for healthcare professionals applying Clean Language in their work.
Experience The Difference
Do you know of a health-related group that would welcome an introduction to Clean Language?
Compiled by the Clean Language in Healthcare Momentum Group, which includes Saskie Dorman, Kath Rooksby, Jo Appleton, Siobhan Aris and Judy Rees.