Why is health literacy important?
Patients who are better informed about their health have more effective consultations with their health care provider, are better informed about the medicines they are prescribed, are more likely to comply with their medication and as a result have improved health outcomes.
People working in the healthcare sector play an important part in improving health literacy and numeracy by communicating more clearly and making information and services more accessible to patients.
NALA has been at the forefront of this work, making the link between literacy levels in Ireland and the impact this has on people’s health. We work closely with the Health Service Executive and other healthcare providers to progress this area through research, training and advisory services.