4
Health literacy and health information producers
Most rate the issue of health literacy as
extremely or very important when planning,
developing or writing information resources
or services. However, fewer than half provide
services or resources that address the needs
of people with low health literacy and only
10% have a specific policy or strategy.
The main barriers faced when producing
information for people with low health
literacy include limited funds and resources,
limited understanding of needs and limited
understanding of how to develop appropriate
resources or services.
The findings show that although information
producers in the UK have a good understanding
of health literacy and its importance, they
lack the tools and skills with which to develop
appropriate resources and services that meet
the needs of people with low health literacy.
There is a clear appetite for practical guidance
and case studies.
‘It’s not that we don’t want to produce
information in this way; it’s how we
go about it - the same with learning
disabilities, there are no set guidelines
to follow when producing information -
there are symbols and pictures but no
actual written help on how to word
patient information.’
Survey respondent
