Tackling Poor Health Literacy
43% of adults in the UK struggle to understand written health information, with 61% struggling if it contains words and numbers. This course provides techniques to enhance the communication and comprehension of health information to improve outcomes.
What will participants learn?
Health literacy training equips staff with the skills to:
- Understand how low health literacy affects health inequalities
- Recognise how poor health literacy can impact a patient's care
- Identify barriers that prevent patients from understanding information
- Apply clear communication techniques to support patient decisions
- Use strategies that increase comprehension of health information
- Support patient empowerment through improved information sharing
Who is it for?
This workforce training is designed for professionals who support the public with illness, injury, or lifestyle behaviour change. It is relevant to doctors, nurses, health educators, social workers, receptionists, volunteers, and others working in health or care settings where clear health communication and comprehension is essential.
What does the course include?
- An overview of the impact of low health literacy
- Tools to improve written and verbal communication in healthcare
- Practical strategies to ensure patient understanding
- Case studies showing applied health communications improvements
- A chance to review participants' own materials
- Training exercises to practice techniques in a safe environment
- A reference sheet of key techniques for use during consultations
All of our courses can be delivered in person or online. Full and half day options are available as standard. Depending on requirements, we can also offer more in-depth training packages with multi-day, follow-up, and train-the-trainer options.
Why choose our training?
To maximise training value and effectiveness, we offer:
- Content tailored to participant needs through pre-engagement with client teams
- Evidence-based approaches like Making Every Contact Count (MECC) and Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Interactive learning, including simulations and real-world skills practice
- Follow-up support to help staff implement their new skills
- Continuous refinement of our courses through evaluation and participant feedback