For professionals and organisations

Organisations also have a role in making information and services easier to find, understand and use.

A health literacy-friendly organisation:

  • Communicates clearly

  • Makes services easy to use

  • Provides accessible information

  • Encourages questions and shared decision-making

  • Supports people to find and use trusted health information

What can I do?

Health literacy is not just about people's skills. Organisations also have a role in making information and services easier to find, understand and use.

Universal precautions approach

Tip 1:

Universal precautions approach

Assume that everyone may find health information difficult at times. Make it easier for all people to access, understand and use your information and services.

Use plain language

Tip 2:

Use plain language

Write and communicate in a way that people can understand the first time they read or hear it. Avoid jargon and explain technical terms clearly.

Tip 3

Check understanding

Don't assume people understand important information. Use approaches such as Teach-Back and Chunk and Check by asking people to explain information in their own words.

Teach-Back

Ask people to explain information back in their own words. This helps check that your explanation was clear and identifies any misunderstandings.

Chunk and Check

Break information into small, manageable sections and pause regularly to check understanding. This helps prevent information overload and gives people the opportunity to ask questions.

Check your understanding

Use open-ended questions such as "What questions do you have for me?" rather than "Do you have any questions?". This helps people feel more comfortable.

Take the next step

Free course

Let’s talk about a literacy friendly approach in healthcare

Let’s talk about a literacy friendly approach in healthcare

Delivery: Online

Who is this course for?: Health and social care professionals

Length of course: 40 minutes