Introduction:

Health literacy (HL) is defined as how well people obtain, understand and use health information and make health-related decisions¹. National Healthcare Group (NHG) Pharmacy is looking into ways to help patients improve their HL, of which one way is to create a health literate workforce. This can then enable patients to take charge of their own health. The Public Education (PE) Workgroup in NHG Pharmacy piloted a HL programme to enable staff:

1. To understand the concepts related to HL
2. To be confident and efficacious in communicating with patients, with the understanding of various communication tools

Methods:

The programme was conducted for pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, pharmacy assistants and retail staff in NHG Pharmacy in 2019. It consisted of 5 sessions using instructional methods including self-directed learning, interactive games, role play and mini-lectures. Pre-programme surveys, post-programme surveys and programme evaluations were conducted among participants and analysed.

Results:

228 staff completed the programme. They improved in identifying consequences of low HL, identifying factors affecting HL, and understanding universal precautions related to HL. They also improved in their understanding of plain language, with a 42.2% increase in staff identifying the appropriate age to pitch the language of HL materials. There was a 31% increase in staff’s self-rated confidence in managing patients with low HL after the programme. 84.5% of staff found the programme relevant and 76.9% of staff have reported applying the HL concepts after the programme.

Conclusion:

Staff involved in the programme showed improvements in their understanding and confidence in HL.  More efforts can be done to help staff apply their knowledge in their daily work, while considering the sustainability of the programme.

Reference:

[1] Berkman ND, Sheridan SL, Donahue KE, et al. Health literacy interventions and outcomes: an updated systematic review. Evid Rep Technol Assess (Full Rep). 2011;199(1):941