Communication and Health Literacy
The communication domain includes skills and knowledge associated with designing, developing, implementing and assessing health literate content and communication – including measuring how effectively it is received. A Health Literacy Specialist (HLS) would:
- Incorporate plain language principles into oral and text-based forms of communication.
- Review health information to ensure that it is understandable and actionable [e.g., using Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), PE-MAT, CDC Clear Communication Index].
- Evaluate learners’ understanding of any information provided (e.g., teach back).
- Identify and addresses the intended audience’s characteristics, needs, and interests when communicating health information.• Assess text-based information using readability formulas (e.g., SMOG, Fry, Flesch Reading Ease).
- Understand and conform to commonly accepted standards of appropriate grammar, punctuation, and style for health literacy (writing like people talk, using a conversational tone, etc.).
- Incorporate evidence-based health literacy writing, organization, and design principles and practices into the creation of educational materials.
- Collaborate with subject matter experts in the development of health messages.