Health literacy: what lessons can be learned from the experiences of other countries?
KCE Reports 322 (2019)
The term “health literacy” describes a person’s ability to understand health information so that they can maintain or improve their health and their quality of life. People who have a low level of health literacy find it hard to interact properly with health professionals, understand the how and the why of their health condition, talk to professionals about the steps to be taken, understand drug leaflets, and follow their treatments correctly. In Belgium, the health literacy level appears problematic for 30 to 45% of the population.
However, health literacy does not depend on individuals alone; the way health information is designed and health care is organised also has a part to play. Indeed, the more complex a health system is, the more difficult it is for its users to interact with it as “competent” individuals. Health literacy must therefore be seen as a shared responsibility between individuals and the health system in which they operate.
Many countries have implemented action plans to improve the health literacy of their population. KCE was tasked with analysing some of these plans in order to learn the lessons for developing a possible plan for Belgium. It appears that the “ideal” plan would need to mobilise all sectors of society (education, employment, etc.), but certainly first and foremost all health professionals and organisations.
Our country can already rely on a wealth of health literacy expertise and a number of actors who are very sensitive to the issue at all levels and in all sectors, but the subject still needs to be coordinated more effectively as a whole. In short, the proposals involve identifying the driving forces, assessing the current actions and reflecting together on how to optimise our efforts in future.
How to refer to this report