NHS Hampshire Healthcare Library Service

Health literacy

Health Literacy

What is health literacy?

Health literacy is about people having enough knowledge, understanding, skills and confidence to use health information. This allows them to be active partners in their care, and to use health and social care systems. People working in health and social care need to be aware of health literacy and use techniques that can help to increase understanding.

Why is health literacy important?

In England 43% of adults (18-65) do not have adequate literacy skills to routinely understand health information. 61% of adults (18-65) do not have adequate numeracy skills to routinely understand health information (1). Adults who have low language, literacy and numeracy skills, and their children and families, suffer the worst health outcomes in society.

Types of health literacy

There are three levels of health literacy. People need the basis of functional health literacy before they develop the further levels of health literacy.

Functional

The basic skills needed to function in everyday life and typical healthcare interactions, e.g.

the ability to read appointment letters;
understand time;
follow simple medicine instructions.

Interactive health literacy

The ability to interpret and balance information from different sources as part of decision-making process. To have the confidence and motivation to seek out information and make decisions.

Critical health literacy

The ability to evaluate information critically and challenge treatment options. To have an understanding of the links between health outcomes and broader social, cultural and economic factors.