Sláintecare Health Literacy Report Launched
Sláintecare Healthy Communities report outlines how to improve low levels of health literacy in Ireland
The study was conducted by DCU in conjunction with Dublin City Council and Mayo County Council
The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Health Literacy Report was launched today by Colm Burke, Minister of State with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy in the Finglas Youth Resource Centre, Dublin 11. The event marks the formal launch of the findings of a study conducted by Dublin City University in conjunction with Dublin City Council and Mayo County Council over the last 12 months. The Cabra/Finglas area and designated areas of Mayo are part of the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme (SHCP) funded by the Department of Health.
With a growing focus and responsibility being given to Local Authorities for community well-being, Healthy Ireland Local Government plays an important role in encouraging local government to combine its effort at the local level leading to improved health and wellbeing outcomes. Healthy Ireland Programmes within local government are funded by the Department of Health with two main initiatives: Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme where this research originated, and the Healthy Ireland Cities and Counties Programme. Healthy Ireland Local Government also operates the Healthy Cities & Counties of Ireland Network.
Key findings (based on research found in Ireland for this report):
- Around 40% of adults in Ireland have limited health literacy which impacts their ability to effectively manage personal health and interact with healthcare services.
- Individuals with lower health literacy levels are less likely to engage in preventive healthcare measures and more likely to require emergency medical interventions, resulting in higher healthcare expenditures and poorer health outcomes.
- Improving health literacy helps individuals better access, understand, appraise and apply health information which can support healthier lifestyle choices and can improve ability to manage chronic conditions.
- Prevention of low levels of health literacy is advocated for through some established settings, but sustainable approaches are needed.
- Building health literacy-responsive systems that understand and reflect community needs and unique characteristics is essential, especially in underserved or vulnerable areas.
Recommendations based on report findings include:
- Co-design, implementation and monitoring of programmes tailored to address the specific health literacy needs of diverse community groups.
- Increase investment in community-based initiatives that focus on elevating health literacy, particularly in the communities of greatest need.
- A shared understanding of the concept will enable national and locally relevant strategies for surveillance, evaluation and impact assessment to be developed, ideally for the long term.
- Individuals and organisations to be encouraged to communicate clearly and effectively, ensuring that all individuals can understand their health and their choices.
- Ensure that health literacy is embedded in all aspects of health policy development and practice, recognising its role in achieving better health outcomes and more effiecent use of healthcare resources.
- Encourage collaboration across health education, social services and private sectors to develop a multi-facted, nationa approach to health literacy.
Cllr Keith Connolly deputising for the Lord Mayor of Dublin, spoke to the significance of a report such as this and what it means for the community “Overall healthcare costs can be reduced by promoting preventative care and improving the management of ongoing health conditions. Healthcare costs in Dublin city are not the same as those in County Mayo. This report shows that one size does not fit all urban and rural communities.”
Speaking on launching this new report, Minister for Health with special responsibility for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drug Strategy Colm Burke said “These findings provide important insights into the challenges faced by many people as a result of poor health literacy. This report will help inform the development of critical programmes that will support people across diverse groups to engage with prevention measures and make healthier lifestyle choices. This will have benefits not just for themselves but also for the wider health service, leading to overall improved population health.”
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Cllr John O’Hara observed “The Health Literacy research completed showcases a collaborative participatory approach working with communities and stakeholders to co designed interventions improving the long-term health and wellbeing of our communities in Erris and Achill communities. “
Dean of DCU Faculty of Science & Health Prof Blánaid White concluded” The DCU Faculty of Science & Health prides itself on its work in the local community, as we pursue our goal to transform lives and societies. This research is of national significance, as low health literacy affects everyone, from the individual to the overall healthcare system. It is vital that the recommendations in the report are acted upon to improve healthcare outcomes for people around the country.”
This innovative research has already garnered significant positive attention with findings presented at a recent webinar (https://bit.ly/HealthLiteracyWebinar ) and at the Global Health Literacy Summit in Rotterdam last week. An invitation has also been received to deliver a workshop presentation at the European Public Health Conference in Lisbon later on this year.
The funding for this report was provided by the Department of Health under its Sláintecare Programme.
The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Health Literacy Report is available to download here https://hilocalgov.ie/resources/slaintecare-healthy-communities-health-literacy-report/
