Health literacy matters

Our 1-page infographic makes the case for the development of health literate information. It sets out the average UK skills for literacy and numeracy, the impact this has on health and what information producers can do to develop information that works for everyone.

The principles for development echo the PIF TICK criteria. They can be applied to all health information, in all formats whatever the topic – from vaccines to verruca. 
The infographic has been designed in response to member demand. It makes the case that health literate information is not 'dumbed down', rather it helps level up. 

Our thanks to members Dr Knut Schroeder, Eleanor Stanley, Julia Bell and Mike Etkind who helped with development. Thanks also to Professor Joanne Protheroe, Dr Evelyn McElhinney, Julia Bell and Surfraz Ahmed who contributed to our 2023 review.

People need trustworthy information to make decisions about health but…

• Half of adults cannot understand standard health information.[1]
• 3.5m people in the UK are still offline in a digital-by-default health system.[2]
• Most people cannot remember basic NHS advice.[3]
• 4 in 10 have been exposed to misinformation in the last 3 months.
• 5 in 10 say AI is making it harder to find trusted health information.[4]

UK information skills

• 1 in 5 have very low literacy skills[5]
• 1 million people cannot speak English well or at all[6]
• 1 in 2 people are at or below primary school numeracy levels[7]
• Older people are likely to have lower health literacy[1]

What does this mean for health?

• More health inequalities.
• Less ability to self-care.
• More preventable ill health and death.[8]
• Less trust in healthcare professionals.
• General negativity towards health and healthcare.[9]

Let’s tackle this inequality gap and create health literate information for all:

• Involve users in development.
• Aim for a reading age of 9-11 for health information.
• Make engaging information which is easy to access and use.
• Signpost trusted health information with the PIF TICK.
• Make it easy for users to give feedback.

Health literate information is not ‘dumbed down’, it promotes equity.

References

1. Rowlands et al 2015
2. Lloyds Bank Consumer Digital Index
3. Living Self Care Survey 2024
4. Ipsos 2026
5. OECD Survey of Adult Skills 2023
6. ONS Census 2021
7. National Numeracy 2026
8. National Voices 2017
9. Gupta C et al, 2015

Originally published 2020. Reviewed 2026. Next review 2029.