Health literacy and inclusivity review of bereavement resources available in an Australian healthcare setting

Abstract

Background Bereavement care can help individuals adjust to the death of a loved one, reducing immediate distress and long-term morbidity. Bereavement resources that provide psychoeducation, and practical and legal information requirements are key aspects of bereavement care.Aims This research aimed to review the understandability, actionability, readability and cultural appropriateness of resources currently provided to bereaved individuals within an Australian healthcare setting.Methods Resources were evaluated to assess (i) understandability and actionability using the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT), (ii) readability using the Sydney Health Literacy Lab editor, (iii) cultural inclusivity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and (iv) accessibility for culturally and linguistically diverse populations.Results Thirty print resources were identified and assessed. The materials included information on grief (n = 12), bereavement resource lists (n = 8), practical guides (n = 7), bereavement pack introductions (n = 2), and a Memorial Day invitation. The mean PEMAT score for understandability was 61.5% (range 46–80%) and actionability was 35% (range 0–80%). The mean readability score was grade 10.7, above the recommended grade 8. Four resources scored 1 out of 7 for relevancy to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, indicating little to no relevancy. Nine resources contained information aimed at culturally and linguistically diverse populations, but inclusivity was minimal.Discussion Our review highlighted current bereavement resources require a high level of literacy and are not inclusive for diverse populations. Attention to health literacy principles and cultural inclusivity is required to ensure the needs of all bereaved are met.

Keywords

• Resource review
• bereavement
• grief
• health literacy
• patient education materials
• cultural inclusivity