Accessible Information and Health Literacy
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Healthwatch Newcastle undertook research to understand the experience of adults aged over 65 who experience difficulties accessing and understanding health information at GPs and pharmacies, and new mothers seeking information about childhood immunisations and vaccinations. A seven-part questionnaire and information leaflets were used to support structured discussions and ensure participants were informed about the topics. Six focus groups were delivered across Newcastle city by Healthwatch Newcastle with three sessions involving older adults and three involving new mothers. They spoke to to 36 people in total from both groups combined.
Findings show that written health materials alone do not ensure understanding, particularly for people with low literacy or limited English. Although participants were highly resourceful in overcoming communication barriers, the over 65s group relied on informal networks such as family and friends, indicating that written information alone is insufficient and may shift responsibility onto personal support systems.
New mothers expressed clear preferences for communication, especially text messages and post, while GPs and Health Visitors emerged as a key trusted source for questions and reassurance.
Feedback highlighted the importance of combining clear written content with verbal explanation, defined terminology, translation, interpreters, visuals, and short subtitled videos, alongside realistic messaging about service capacity.
Overall, accessible, culturally sensitive, and dialogue-supported communication is essential to improve engagement, confidence, and reduce health inequalities. Feedback highlighted the importance of combining clear written content with verbal explanation, defined terminology, translation, interpreters, visuals, and short subtitled videos, alongside realistic messaging about service capacity.
Overall, accessible, culturally sensitive, and dialogue-supported communication is essential to improve engagement, confidence, and reduce health inequalities