About this action

Low health literacy affects 43% of working-age adults in England. Training staff to recognise and respond to health literacy needs improves communication, safety, and outcomes for vulnerable patients. Approaches to implementation: - Provide foundational training on health literacy for all patient-facing staff - Teach techniques like teach-back and chunk-and-check for clear communication - Practice explaining common conditions and treatments in plain language - Create a culture where checking understanding is routine - Share examples of how improved health literacy improves quality and patient safety Key benefits: Improves patient safety through better understanding of treatment plans, reduces inequalities by ensuring complex information doesn't exclude vulnerable patients, and builds staff confidence in clear communication.