The Scottish government first published a plan of action, Making it Easy, in 2014, Challenging the health and care system to remove the barriers that get in the way when trying to improve the wellbeing of people. When the Scottish Government first looked at the evidence on the impact of health literacy, in 2009, it was clear that it was time for action. They knew that healthcare information had to clearly tackle the challenges we all face in our day-to-day life. It was less clear what needed to be done. 

Now, they have published a second plan Making it Easier, building on what has been learnt so far.

The actions set out in Making it Easier – A Health Literacy Action Plan for Scotland 2017-2025 are designed to take the next steps in improving health literacy practice across the health and care system.

The actions are:

1. Share the learning from Making it Easy across Scotland.

2. Embed ways to improve health literacy in policy and practice.

3. Develop more health literacy responsive organisations and communities.

4. Design supports and services to better meet people’s health literacy levels.

To explore the detail that led to the development of Making it Easy and Making it Easier, please visit The Health Literacy Place at www.healthliteracyplace.org.uk