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Health Literacy

Health literacy refers to individuals having enough knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence to use health information, to be more active partners in their care, and to navigate health and social care systems.

Research has shown that 43% of working-age adults in England have low health literacy. This figure rises to 61% if numeracy is involved. 

Health literacy is not restricted to the person’s ability to read and write and does not only apply to the written word.  It also encompasses computer and numerical literacy and the ability to interpret graphs and visual information. It also recognises that our health systems are often very hard for people to navigate.

The teach back method is a useful way to confirm that the information provided is being understood by getting people to 'teach back' what has been discussed. Chunk and check can be used alongside teach back and requires break down of information into smaller chunks throughout consultations and check for understanding along the way rather than providing all information that is to be remembered at the end of the session.

Health literacy affects people’s ability to:

  • Engage in self-care and chronic disease management
  • Share information such as medical history with professionals 
  • Navigate the healthcare system such as locating services and filling in forms
  • Understand concepts such as probability and risk
  • Evaluate information for quality and credibility

As a result, individuals with low health literacy are:

  • More likely to have emergency and avoidable admissions
  • Less likely to engage with health promotional activities such as vaccination
  • Less likely to adhere to treatment

The complex nature of health literacy requires a multi-faceted approach which addresses individual and community limitations, education and training of professionals as well as the resources available and peer support to assist.

Examples

Health literacy affects people’s ability to:

Resource

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