Health literacy initiatives

It's ok to ask

Having the confidence to ask questions, find the information needed, and seek support are all important tools for people to have. Creating environments that are supportive and welcome questions is also key.

The 'It’s ok to ask' resources have been co-developed with consumers. The resources (posters, pamphlets, games, video clips, workshop materials and activities) can be used in a variety of ways... as part of training, prompts, tools and as conversation starters. They were designed so that people can mix and match the resources to suit the setting or purpose.

The ‘It’s ok to ask’ brochure has helpful information to make the most of a visit to a community or health service. It includes 'tips for before and during an appointment', and 'questions you can ask'.  The brochure is available in six languages, English, Tigrinya, Arabic, Persian, Nepali, and simplified Chinese.

View full range of It's OK to Ask Resources.

Email [email protected] for printed copies, or to discuss any of the resources and how they can be used.

Spot On! recognising good practice

“Spot On!” is an initiative of the health literacy network. It’s about finding, celebrating and sharing what people and services are doing (big or small) to make it easier for people to find, understand and use information and services.

A good health literate environment will:

• make it easier for people to access information and services
• help people find their way to a service
• ensure that everyone feels comfortable and welcome
• help people understand information so they can make informed health decisions.

Do you think someone’s work has hit the spot? If you see health literacy in action by an individual or service, let us know and we’ll spotlight them to celebrate their work!

Send us an email at [email protected]

Spot on recipients

Hospital North’s Infection Prevention and Control (IPCU)

The IPCU team were spotted for taking action to improve health literacy in their service by:

• Making patient communication tools easy to read.
• Partnering with the Consumer & Community Engagement Council (CCEC).
• Making sure that letters to consumers are available in multiple languages.

The IPCU team, led by Nurse Manager Fiona, have undertaken several initiatives to ensure that their information is easy for patients, visitors, and staff to find and understand.

These have included:

• Using the SHeLL Health Literacy Editor to ensure patient information is written in plain language.
• Partnering with the Consumer & Community Engagement Council (CCEC) to review and improve information to patients and visitors.
• Developing a factsheet for inpatients and visitors to use during an outbreak. 
• Installing pull up banners to place outside wards and 
• Using visual aids such as flowcharts to explain policies.

Bronwyn, Administrative Assistant, Rosebery Community Health Centre

Bronwyn was spotted for taking action to improve health literacy in her service by:

• Creating a welcoming environment for people that visit Rosebery Community Health Centre, so that all visitors can recognise staff members by name and photo.
• Commitment to the #hello my name is… campaign, LGBTIQA+ inclusivity, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural respect.

In her work as an Administrative Assistant, Bronwyn saw a need to ensure that all visitors can identify staff members by name and photo.

She used the #hello my name is… initiative to ensure that every staff member has their photo and name on display in the reception area. In addition, the centre has posters and stickers on display which promote LGBTIQA+ inclusivity and promote cultural respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Stronger Together in Circular Head (S.T.I.C.H)

The STICH group in Circular Head recognised there was a need for a wallet sized card of local support contacts for the Circular Head region.  The wallet card also provides tips to get help and engage in conversations with GPs.

There is a rip off section with tick boxes that you can give to your GP to tell them what you need help with, including: Tough time with my relationship, drinking too much, a sadness I can’t shake and others.

This resource has helped raise awareness of health information and services.

Gabby, Clinical Nurse Specialist, RHH Burns Clinic and Burns Unit

Gabby was spotted for taking action to improve health literacy 

After participating in a Health Literacy Excellence in Practice program, Gabby led work to ensure that the RHH Burns Clinic and Burns Unit is an inclusive and welcoming space and provides health information that is responsive to health literacy needs.

Gabby’s work included:

• Reviewing and updating consumer health information using a health literacy lens to ensure that they met the recommended reading age of grade 6.
• Including QR codes to link to videos on written information for those that have reading challenges.
• Improved how information was displayed in the Burns Clinic waiting area, allowing for easier access.
• Organised through the Hospital Volunteers, the purchase of a TV which is being used to show prevention videos, including multi-lingual animations.
• Displaying LGBTIQA+ welcome stickers and Tasmanian Aboriginal posters in the waiting area.

#Hello my name is

It’s so much easier to ask questions when you know who someone is and what they do.

Watch the #Hello my name is campaign video on YouTube.

It’s why the Health Literacy Network support people and services to take up the #hellomynameis campaign. The campaign was started by Dr Kate following her own experiences as a patient and it encourages and reminds health and community workers about the importance of introductions.

But it’s more than just wearing a name tag or telling someone what you do. It’s about creating a friendly and supportive culture and environment. The campaign has been in Tasmania since late 2016 and is now seen in many of our health services.  We are heartened about the difference this is making to the experiences of people, services and care providers.

If you would like more information about “#Hello my name is” or the Health Literacy Network, email [email protected]

Health Literacy Network

Building health literacy needs a long-term, community-wide approach. 

26TEN, Tasmania’s campaign for adult literacy, unites individuals, organisations and the Tasmanian community to make a difference.

The Health Literacy Network aims to:

• work together to raise awareness of health literacy issues
• connect and link across our communities, such as health, education, and business
• create opportunities for peer learning and collaboration
• provide tools and resources to people and service providers to respond to needs.

Together, we can make a difference to the health of all Tasmanians.

The Health Literacy Network hosts a range of health literacy initiatives, such as a Community of Practice, an online learning hub, Statewide forums, and e-newsletters. 

Get more information on becoming a supporter

Where to find more information

• Health literacy workplace toolkit 
• Health literacy resources and background
• Email health literacy queries to [email protected] 
• Literacy and numeracy are the foundation of good health literacy. If you have any queries about adult literacy in Tasmania contact 26TEN via [email protected] or visit the 26ten website