Assessing signage in your health service
Acknowledgement
The structure of this assessment tool is influenced by D DeWalt et al., Improve Written Communication Assessment Tool, Health Literacy Universal Precautions Toolkit, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville MD, 2014, viewed 21 July 2014, www.ahrq.gov/professionals/quality-patient-safety/quality-resources/tools/literacy-toolkit/index.html.
Directions
Select one answer that most accurately describes your Service:
- Doing well: Our service is doing this well
- Could be better: Our service is doing this, but could do it better
- Not doing: Our service is not doing this
- Not sure or N/A: I don't know the answer, or it is not applicable to our service
No. | Question | Doing well | Could be better | Not doing | Not sure or N/A |
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1. | The name of the service is clearly displayed on the outside of the building. | ||||
2. | There are sufficient and appropriate signs to direct consumers to the main entrance. | ||||
3. |
Signs near and at reception meet the needs of consumers, including those with low health literacy. |
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4. |
Internal and external signs use large and clearly visible lettering. |
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5. |
A sign clearly tells consumers what to do and where to go when they first arrive. |
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6. |
Signs are displayed throughout the facility to direct consumers to locations like waiting areas, reception, toilets and service areas. |
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7. |
Alternative visual cues, like coloured lines, are used to help people find their way within the facility. |
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8. |
Office signs use everyday words like 'Walk-In' and 'Health Centre'. If medical terms are used, plain English descriptions are provided as well, for example: 'Pathology (including blood tests)'. |
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9. |
Office signs are written in English and in the primary languages of the population being served or include standard symbols. |
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10. |
Symbols and graphics are used consistently on signs throughout the facility. |
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11. |
Walls and notice boards are not cluttered with printed notices and posters. It is easy for consumers to pick out important information. |