- 16Oct
The medical illiteracy epidemic
In this blog, Nicolai Hinds writes about his realisation that he needed to challenge his assumptions about patients’ health literacy. He discusses how an encounter with a young couple whose baby needed to be delivered early made him realise that, even if he empathises with a patient or has a lot in common with them, he cannot…
- 16Oct
Improving health literacy in immigrant communities
A programme designed to address the health literacy needs of a city’s immigrant and refugee population has ‘demonstrated wide success’. Anchorage, Alaska, has a large immigrant and refugee population. Many speak limited English and most are unfamiliar with where, or how, to obtain health care services The peer language navigator (PLN) programme, developed by Anchorage…
- 16Oct
New guide for young people with autism
PIF member NICE has teamed up with SCIE to release a new guide aimed at young people with autism and their families. Assessment and diagnosis of autism: what to expect for young people and their families is aimed at young people of secondary school age. It explains why someone may be referred for an assessment,…
- 9Oct
Reviewing work conversations in healthcare
Public Health England has published a literature review to understand conversations about work in healthcare and identify opportunities to make work conversations a part of everyday health interactions. PHE’s ‘work as a health outcome’ programme seeks to encourage healthcare professionals to have supportive conversations about work and health with their patients. The programme has been informed by…
- 25Sep
Information cards provide support for new patients
People who have experienced difficulty registering with a doctor’s surgery are to be given additional guidance through the launch of new information cards, the Scottish Government has announced. Access to Healthcare cards are designed to support vulnerable groups including those experiencing homelessness, people seeking asylum, refugees and the Gypsy/Traveller community. The information, which highlights an…
- 18Sep
How to create a healthcare infographic
Health Care Social Media has published a guide to creating a healthcare infographic. The guide includes the potential benefits of infographics, content ideas, design tips and suggestions on which tools can be used to create them. hcsmmonitor.com
- 11Sep
BMA Patient Information Awards winners announced
Outstanding patient resources have been celebrated at the 2019 BMA Patient Information Awards. PIF was delighted to be both reviewers and part of the judging panel for the Awards, with PIF’s Nicole Naylor presenting the Long Term Conditions award at the event. The ceremony at BMA House on 10 September 2019 saw PIF member Guy’s and…
- 4Sep
Consultation: Guidance on information sharing
The NHS has launched a consultation asking what guidance is needed for information sharing. Many organisations have published guidance on information sharing in health and care, including guidance on how to use and share information to support the care of individuals, as well as for planning and research. NHSX – a new joint unit which…
- 4Sep
Study: Xploro app reduces children’s procedural anxiety
A study from Edge Hill University has shown that children using the new Xploro app are significantly less anxious before undergoing procedures than those who received traditional hospital information. Evidence shows children who are less anxious about hospital procedures have better outcomes in both the short and long term and Xploro is designed to facilitate this by letting them…
- 4Sep
Patient experience of NHS and social care services
Nuffield Trust has published an indicator update looking at how patient experience of NHS and social care services has changed over time. It found adult inpatients’ overall experience has improved over time, with the proportion of survey respondents rating their experience as ‘8’, ‘9’ or ‘10’ (very good) increasing from 67% in 2012 to 73%…