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Health and digital literacy

Advocating for health information access for all.

PIF believes everyone should have access to health information they can understand and use to make informed decisions about their health. We campaign for health literacy at a policy level, encourage organisations to be health and digital literacy friendly and issue guidance on core topics.

The UK population faces key barriers when seeking health information. PIF advocates for the principle of universal precaution to ensure access to appropriate health information for all.

  • 1 in 6 people have very low literacy skills
  • 50% of the population are at or below primary school numeracy level
  • 9 million people are unable to use digital tools without help
  • Up to 1 million people cannot speak English well or at all

Health and Digital Literacy Survey

Our regular Health and Digital Literacy Surveys set out the progress made in the crucial areas of health and digital literacy. The results from our last survey in 2022 are encouraging. The number of organisations with a health literacy strategy in place increased from 1 in 10 in 2019 to 3 in 10 in 2022. In 2022, 8 in 10 organisations said they considered the equalities impact of digital tools compared to 5 in 10 in 2019. 

However, there is still work to be done. A lack of resources is the major barrier to action on health and digital literacy for NHS organisations and charities. Susceptibility to misinformation is now seen as a key challenge for people with lower health literacy. Digital exclusion is preventing some people from accessing an increasingly digital NHS. 

We will be repeating the survey in 2025 to see what progress has been made on these issues.

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Member Resource

Health and Digital Literacy Survey 2022/23

Download and view the Full Report and Main Findings and Recommendations from PIF's 2022/23 Health and Digital Literacy Survey.

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Member Resource

Health and Digital Literacy Survey 2019/20

Download the Full Report and Main Findings and Recommendations from PIF's 2019/20 Health and Digital Literacy Survey.

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Health and Digital Literacy Charter

Launched in response to our 2019 survey, the PIF Health and Digital Literacy Charter has been signed by more than 130 organisations. By signing the charter, organisations commit to:

  • Using clear verbal, written or digital communication.
  • Creating easy-to-use digital tools, websites, printed information and premises.
  • Involving users in the development of information as routine and inviting feedback.
  • Training staff in health literacy.
  • Considering digital exclusion and equalities impact when introducing new resources.

Health and digital literacy training

PIF delivers both in-house and bespoke health and digital literacy training. The training, which is frequently updated to reflect the latest health and digital literacy data, is packed with practical tips to ensure everyone can access the information they need.

Feedback from a recent workshop found 100% of delegates felt their reasons for attending were met and would recommend attending a PIF workshop.

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Bespoke training

Work with information experts to build on our CPD-accredited training modules and create the perfect bespoke training for your team.

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PIF Events and Training

Enhance your health information with PIF's CPD-accredited training and hot topic webinars.

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Sign the Health and Digital Literacy Charter

Launched in response to our 2019 Health and Digital Literacy Survey, the PIF Health and Digital Literacy Charter has been signed by more than 130 organisations.

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