Health Literacy Staff Guide

A health literate organisation is....

An organisation that makes it easier for all people to navigate, understand and use information and services in health care, through active engagement in care. 

adapted from Van De Broucke, 2014

Each person is seen as an individual with their own health needs.

Patient engagement is both a process and a behaviour; it is shaped by the relationship between patients or consumers, providers and the environment in which health care takes place.

Health literacy:

• is an outcome of clear, respectful communication and health education.
• is necessary for safe, timely and effective person-centred care
• plays an important part in enabling effective partnerships
• identifies with better health outcomes and reduced costs
• a Melbourne Health statement of priority with the Victorian Government.