Australians will be better supported to find, understand and use reliable health information thanks to the first National Health Literacy Framework, launched today at the University of Sydney.
Health literacy is a vital life skill.
Additionally, it gives people knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their health. This includes understanding when to get a screening test, and where to seek care, and choosing treatment options.
Lower health literacy is linked with delayed care. Additionally, higher hospital use, poorer chronic disease management, medication errors and avoidable hospitalisations.
The framework provides the first nationally coordinated approach to improving health literacy in Australia.
Moreover, it offers evidence-based guidance for health.
It supports policy and program development by all levels of government, health services and community organisations to improve health literacy.
The framework estimates that improving health literacy by 25% could save $7.3 billion annually.
Australians are exposed to more health information than ever before, especially through social media, online resources and AI. Therefore, being able to identify information that is accurate and trustworthy is increasingly important.
Importantly, the framework recognises that improving health literacy is not just the responsibility of individuals. Health services, information and systems must also be easier to access, understand and use.
It also supports the delivery of culturally safe and inclusive health information, serving diverse communities, including First Nations peoples and multicultural groups who face additional barriers to accessing care.
Funding from the Australian Government supported the Sax Institute and the Sydney Health Literacy Lab at the University of Sydney to develop the Framework as part of the National Preventive Health Strategy 2021–2030.
Health literacy isn’t just about understanding information but knowing where to find information and who to trust, said Professor Kirsten McCaffery, Director of the University of Sydney Health Literacy Lab.
“Health literacy gives people the confidence to understand their health and make informed decisions about their care,” she said.
“With more health information at our fingertips than ever before, particularly through social media and AI, knowing what information you can trust really matters.”
Access the Framework here
