Health Literacy

Health Literacy Knowledge Hub

What is Health Literacy?

Health Literacy is the ability to access, understand, appraise and use health information to make health-related decisions. In the UK, we know from research by Gill Rowlands that 43% of adults struggle with text-based health information; rising to 61% if the health information includes numbers as well as text. In Cheshire East this is estimated to be 35% for text-based information, rising to 54% for information with both text and numbers. NHS staff need to be aware of health literacy issues to support effective access to information.

Health Literacy e-learning

Health Literacy Toolkit

The personal characteristics and social resources needed for individuals and communities to access, understand, appraise and use information and services to make decisions about health.

Further information

HEE Health Literacy Toolkit
Health Literacy Month
Health Literacy levels by council/borough area (UK)
Health Literacy UK
Patient Information Forum: Shared decision making
Health Literacy Place (Scotland)
Health inequalities in a nutshell (The King's Fund)
Local Authority health profiles (Office for Health Improvements & Disparities)
Local Health - local health-related information (Public Health England)
Using plain language in health information – A quick guide (Patient Information Forum)
One size doesn't fit all: reimagining medicines information for patients (Kent Surrey Sussex Academic Health Science Network, 2023)
Getting ready for a talk about your health: leaflet for patients with a learning disability (HEE)
3 questions for better health: easy read patient information leaflet (HEE)

Improve your core skills

Access free online tutorials to help you improve your English and maths skills. Some examples are:

Core skills tutorials from GFC Learn Free, includes modules on maths and writing, reading and personal finances.
National Numeracy Challenge - free resources to improve your maths skills.
Skills for life and functional skills.

Video: What is health literacy and why is it important?

Library resources

The library has books to help you improve your English language and communication skills, and an English Language Knowledge Hub with links to lots of free online resources, including the 'Healthy English' e-learning developed at East Cheshire NHS Trust. There is also a Communication Game you can borrow to play as a team.

Library catalogue

BMJ Best Practice

BMJ Best Practice is an evidence-based decision support tool which is purchased nationally by HEE for all NHS staff. It includes a variety of patient information leaflets which are written in a clear, concise way. Access from work by clicking the link in the Start Menu, or from home with your NHS Athens account.

Access Best Practice

UpToDate

UpToDate is an evidence-based decision support tool which is available to all Trust staff. It includes a wealth of patient information leaflets, although does have an American bias. Access from work by clicking the UpToDate link in the Start Menu, or from anywhere with a personal login (create one for free when logged in at work) or NHS Athens account.

Access UpToDate