Health literacy: Reducing inequalities in healthcare access through improving the readability of healthcare material in the Northeast of England-a qualitative evaluation

Abstract

Objectives

Lower health literacy increases the risk of chronic illness, premature mortality, and health-harming behaviours. Leading to higher healthcare utilisation and lower preventive care participation. Many adults in England read at a 9–11-year level making most healthcare materials inaccessible. This study aimed to assess an intervention modifying healthcare materials’ readability in a hospital trust in North-East England by evaluating patient and staff perspectives.

Study design

Guided by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability, a qualitative design evaluated modified patient leaflets for routine outpatient clinics, adjusted to a reading age of 9–11 years to align with the national average. Stakeholder perspectives on modified and unmodified materials were explored.

Methods

Twenty-five participants (six males, 19 females; aged 18–60, including 12 healthcare providers and 13 service users) with varying health literacy were recruited from four medical specialties in a single hospital trust in the northeast of England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed using Framework method.

Results

Participants preferred the modified materials for their clarity. Simpler language was perceived as reducing stigma and increasing confidence to engage with healthcare professionals. Service users felt empowered to manage their health, as revised materials were easier to understand. Healthcare providers valued improved readability, anticipating enhanced patient engagement and reduced misunderstandings. Participants emphasised the ethical imperative for accessible healthcare information to reduce inequalities.

Conclusions

Improving readability is welcomed and necessary to reduce structural inequalities. As disparities persist, ensuring accessible healthcare information could be a cost-effective scalable strategy. Further research should assess effectiveness on health outcomes.