About health literacy and why it is important

43% of 16-65 year olds in England are unable to fully understand written health information.

When we add numbers into this data, the percentage rises to 61% of 16-65 year olds that are unable to routinely understand health information.

One of the main pillars of GWH Trust Strategy is that "patients are supported to better manage their condition at home, staying well and out of hospital".

The percentage of the local Swindon population 16-64 that are below the threshold for low health literacy and numeracy is 57.35% (please see the University of Southampton website: Health Literacy.

Adults who have low language, literacy and numeracy skills, and their children and families, suffer the worst health outcomes in society.

To support people to better manage their health conditions health and social care workers need to be aware of health literacy and of the techniques that can help to increase understanding.

About the course

The e-Learning for Healthcare Health Literacy session takes about 30 minutes to complete.

At the end of the session, you will know why health literacy is important and how to use some simple techniques including TeachBack, chunk and check, using pictures and simple language to improve how you communicate and check understanding with others.

After each section you can complete an action plan of how you intend to use the techniques in your practice. You can use this plan as evidence of your learning in your appraisal or professional portfolio.

Please see Health Literacy - elearning for healthcare.

Further information

Please see: