Building health literacy responsiveness in Melbourne's west: a systems approach

With high health inequities among some population groups, health professionals and organisations are increasingly taking action on health literacy. This case study demonstrates how a systems approach to health literacy responsiveness created change across a region. From 2013 to 2017 the Health Literacy Development Project incorporating a training course and community of practice (the Project) targeted the health and community services system in Melbourne's west. The Project created a ripple effect that built health literacy responsiveness at the individual and organisational level. This contributed to increased use of health literacy practices and led to systems change across the region. Creating change within the health and community services system is extremely challenging. This case study provides some evidence that a systems approach can support change in the health literacy responsiveness of a regional health and community services system over a 4-year timeframe.