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Dr Geraldine Doyle

What is health literacy?

Health literacy is an important issue in Ireland today. It involves a person being able to understand basic health information whether they receive it in writing, in person or over the phone. It also involves a person having the knowledge to understand their options and make informed decisions about their own health. People working in the healthcare sector play an important part in improving health literacy by communicating more clearly and making information and services more accessible to patients.

According to the International Adult Literacy Survey, conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OEDC) in 1997, over 50% of Irish adults are affected in some way by literacy difficulties.

Many people have problems dealing with the increasing demands on their literacy skills from materials they come across in work and everyday life. Research shows, for example, that people find it difficult to read and understand health-related information such as signage, health information leaflets, directions on medicine packs, consent forms, prescriptions and medical advice.