The Speaking Book: Making Health Care Information a Reality

Background:  Over 785 million adults are illiterate. Illiteracy critically reduces health care literature efficacy - however good written material is, if people cannot read, messages are ineffective. Illiteracy is a potentially life-threatening issue and health is lowest where literacy is poor. Even in countries with relatively high literacy, serious gaps in health literacy are recorded. Illiteracy is on the increase, and appropriate healthcare communication is critical to the health of all people. The Speaking Book is an interactive education tool for communities with low levels of literacy which is effective over a long period of time. The Speaking Book delivers an innovative, interactive alternative to patient learning. Through a hard-covered, 16-page book with a 30-second-per-page audio track, the Speaking Book talks to the reader, in his own language, about critical health issues.

Program background:  The Speaking Book uses a simple, existing technology in a new, innovative way: a patient education tool that doesn’t rely on literacy. We want all patients, regardless of their level of education, literacy or location, to be able to access and comprehend all types of health care information. Through a hard-covered, 16-page book with an accompanying 30-second-per-page audio track, the Speaking Book literally talks to the reader, in his own language, about critical issues. They’re colourful and interactive and can be seen, read, heard, and understood regardless of reading ability. Soundtracks can be played in any order, so the Book can be listened to repeatedly until the message is absorbed. They’re also battery operated so they’re not dependent on electricity. The technology consists of a hardbound laminated book equipped with a sound box that produces the recorded spoken text identical to the printed words. Developed in collaboration with the client, technology is basic but easily adaptable for low literacy communities worldwide. Distribution is simple – they’re delivered free of charge through community workers, clinics, and NGOs.

Evaluation Methods and Results:  Numerous studies have been conducted on the efficacy and impact of the Speaking Books. Participants attend a workshop, receive copies of the Speaking Book, and complete open-ended questionnaires. An average of 27 people are reached through each Speaking Book. The Books are shown to people in a wide range of setting, including weddings, informal pubs, taxi ranks, the hairdresser, even at football games.

Conclusions:  The Speaking Book provides access to critical information for people who are often side-lined on the road to health. The Speaking Books uplift communities and individuals, reduce stigma and increase understanding and treatment compliance. Now everyone can have access to health information and have their questions about treatment answered even in the absence of trained health care professionals.

Implications for research and/or practice:  The Speaking Book has demonstrated success in communities, and organisations, and contributed to a better understanding of health care issues. It educates and empowers low literacy communities and is a powerful aid for health personnel, NGO staff and government workers and a training tool for community workers and volunteers. The Speaking Book provides an innovative way to impart health care information even in the absence of trained professionals.