Health literacy involves a person being able to understand basic health information whether they receive it in writing, in person or over the phone. It also involves a person having the knowledge to understand their options and make informed decisions about their own health.

Many people who deal effectively with other parts of their lives find health information difficult to get, understand, or use. During usually stressful times in their lives, people are often faced with complex information and treatment decisions.

People using the healthcare system can be bombarded with information. Healthcare systems are more complex than ever before, with more treatment options, specialised services and a growing delegation of responsibility to the person, the family and the community.

Information about health and wellbeing comes to us from different sources such as newspapers, television, websites and advertisments, and in a variety of ways, so that people who use healthcare services can be overloaded with information and find the situation confusing. Low health literacy is linked to higher rates of people being admitted to hospital and higher use of expensive emergency services.