What is Health Literacy?

Health Literacy is the ability to read, understand and use healthcare information.

(https://www.nala.ie/health-literacy/)

October is Health Literacy month across the globe. The aim is to promote the importance of understandable health information for all. It has been consistently shown that many people have problems reading and taking in health information. The current pandemic has been stressful for everyone, adding to an already existing health literacy problem.

Poor literacy limits access to health information and the health service, in an increasingly information-based society. People with low levels of health literacy lack the skills to negotiate the health care system and are at a higher risk of hospitalisation than people with adequate literacy skills.

Ask Athair for Health Information

Search 'Athair' for publicly available health information.

Athair stands for Access to Health Information and Research

Athair Searches:

BMJ Best Practice
Lenus the Irish Health Research Repository
ClinicalTrials.Gov
Open Access Journals and Text Books
Dissertations
US Patients
and more...

HI

Healthy Ireland is a Government-led initiative which aims to create an Irish society where everyone can enjoy good physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society.

The Healthy Ireland Framework provided the first clear national policy commitment to health literacy in Ireland. HI Framework 2013-2025

The Healthy Ireland Action Plan 2018-2025 builds on the work and progress made to date and focuses on the remaining years of the Healthy Ireland Framework, from 2021-2025. A commitment to supporting the Dept. of Health in the development and roll-out of a health literacy survey is included in the framework. HI Strategic Action Plan 2018-2025

Did you know.....

Two in five (39%) Irish people are calling for doctors, nurses and pharmacists to use more understandable language and less medical jargon. This was followed by speaking less formally (22%) and taking more time to explain things (18%).
17% of people surveyed said they had taken the wrong amount of medication on at least one occasion.
People aged 15 – 34 years were least likely to ask a doctor, nurse or pharmacist to explain things they don’t understand.
Embarrassment was ranked as the main reason for not seeking more information from a healthcare professional (24%).

Source: https://www.nala.ie/policy/nalas-policy-work-in-health-literacy/

Adult Literacy for Life

Adult Literacy for Life – a 10-year adult literacy, numeracy and digital literacy strategy was launched by Minister Simon Harris TD on 8th September 2021. The Strategy aims to ensure that every adult has the necessary literacy, numeracy and digital literacy to fully engage in society.

About this LibGuide

This guide was created to signpost online resources that are relevant to health literacy. Many of the resources included are available via the HSE Library website: www.hselibrary.ie

HSE staff need to register with their local HSE library and register for an account to access HSE Library resources. Other resources available from this guide are freely available (open access) and do not require a subscription.

To register for a library account just go to www.hselibrary.ie and follow the links.

Dympna Lynch, Librarian is responsible for updating content on this guide. Please contact Dympna at cavan.library@hse.ie or ph: 049 4376114 if you have any queries or suggestions.

Health Literacy: Guide Homepage