Health literacy for healthcare professionals

Health literacy is now recognised as an essential part of quality, patient-centred care, as a large number of patients struggle with health literacy

eLearning resource for healthcare professionals

Cancer Health Literacy course logo

Health literacy is now recognised as an essential part of quality, patient-centred care, but a large number of patients struggle with health literacy – understanding and using health information to manage their treatment and care.

Cancer health literacy poses a particular set of challenges compared to other types of health literacy, as patient decisions and treatment schedules are often complex, and timely decision-making can be critical. Health literacy challenges can be compounded by the distress associated with a cancer diagnosis.

Clear, efficient communication is vital to help patients to understand and make decisions about their treatment and to manage side-effects. Using established health-literacy friendly techniques can make interactions more effective, saving time and avoiding unnecessary follow-up and service use.

NALA / Irish Cancer Society surveyed cancer nurses in 2019. The nurses asked for health literacy support, particularly audio-visual and training resources. To respond to this need, the Irish Cancer Society and the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) have developed a short e-learning module, supported by MSD Ireland.

The 20-minute self-directed resource aims to:

  • Raise awareness of the impact low health literacy can have on cancer patients.
  • Give healthcare professionals a chance to learn or refresh their awareness of health-literacy-friendly communication techniques to support their interactions with cancer patients.

We're here to help

Our range of free services are here for you

Free Support Packs
If you or someone you know has been affected by cancer, we can support you. We can send you a free cancer Support Packs filled with useful information and resources .
Patient Education
Our free patient education group sessions and video resources provide information to guide you through and beyond cancer treatment.
Counselling
We fund professional one-to-one counselling for anyone affected by cancer remotely (over the phone/online) or in person in certain cancer support centres around the country.

Talk to a Cancer Nurse

Support Line

Support Line

Our Cancer Nurses offer confidential advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer. Call or email supportline@irishcancer.ie. Video calls available. Mon-Fri: 9am-5pm
Support Line
Our Daffodil Centres

Our Daffodil Centres

Our Daffodil Centres in 13 hospitals nationwide are staffed by Cancer Nurses and trained volunteers who provide face-to-face advice, support and information for anyone affected by cancer.
Our Daffodil Centres