Checklist - Strategies to support patient comprehension (7 September 2022)

Summary

It is important that patients understand both verbal and written health information, including clinical explanations, recommendations, instructions and educational materials. However, health information and services often are unfamiliar and confusing, and many people struggle with health literacy and numeracy. Taking steps to help patients understand health information is therefore important to patient engagement and patient-centred care.

This checklist is designed to help healthcare providers evaluate their current approaches to ensuring patient understanding and identify potential gaps and opportunities for improvement.