Health literacy Archives | South Western Sydney PHN

01 October 2026

October is Health Literacy Month, an opportunity for general practices to consider how clear communication can support patient understanding, participation and safety.

Health literacy is not simply a patient’s ability to read or understand medical information. It can be influenced by the complexity of health information and services, as well as language, culture, accessibility and individual communication needs.

GPs and practice teams can help by:

using everyday language and avoiding unnecessary medical jargon
focusing on a small number of key messages
encouraging patients to ask questions
providing information in appropriate formats
using accredited interpreters when required
checking patients understand what they need to do next

Try the teach-back method

Teach-back is a simple way to check whether information has been communicated clearly.

Rather than asking, “Do you understand?”, invite the patient to explain important information in their own words.

For example: “I want to make sure I’ve explained this clearly. Can you tell me how you’ll take this medicine when you get home?”

Teach-back is not a test of the patient’s knowledge. It helps the health professional identify whether information needs to be explained differently.

Learn more about teach-back and access practical resources

Practices can also consider the broader patient journey.

Are appointment instructions and forms easy to understand?

Can patients easily find the information and support they need?

Small changes to the way health information is communicated can support informed decision-making, safer care and better health outcomes.

01 October 2026

October is Health Literacy Month, a chance to highlight how important it is to be able to find, understand and use health information.

Health information can sometimes be complicated. Medical terms, test results, medicine instructions and knowing where to go for care can all be difficult to understand.

The good news is, there are simple things you can do to feel more confident managing your health.

1. Ask questions at your health appointments

Before an appointment, write down any questions you’d like to ask and bring a list of the medicines you’re taking.

During your appointment, ask your health professional to explain anything you don’t understand. Before you leave, make sure you know what you need to do next and why.

Healthdirect’s Question Builder can also help you prepare questions to take to your appointment.

Try the Healthdirect Question Builder

2. Find health information you can trust

There is a lot of health information online, but not all of it is reliable.

When reading health information online, ask:

Who wrote the information?
Is it from a recognised health organisation, government agency or other reliable source?
Is the information current?
Does the website provide evidence or explain where its information comes from?
Is the information trying to sell a particular product or treatment?

If you’re unsure about health information you’ve found online, discuss it with an appropriate health professional.

Health information websites you can trust

Health Resource Directory – free local health information for people living in South Western Sydney

healthdirect – trusted Australian health information and advice

Translated health resources for refugee communities

3. Ask if you don’t understand

Health information should be communicated in a way which meets your needs. You can ask your health professional to explain something differently, write information down or provide it in another format.

If English isn’t your preferred language, ask your healthcare provider about interpreter services.

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Clear information can help you make informed decisions about your health and know what to do next.