Using eHealth to Improve Health Literacy Among the Patient Population

2015 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 53-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathryn E. Landry
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Patient Population ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Self Sufficiency ◽  
Improve Health

There is no denying the global influence of eHealth, in its various forms, on the health care system in the 21st Century. Health care professionals are often familiar with technological tools used to enhance health outcomes by assisting clinicians in meeting the needs of the patient population. In an age of social media, web-based information, and material available literally in an instant, it is crucial for nurses to use and proactively share their knowledge regarding accessing and finding credible sources of online health information with the patient population. By improving health literacy among consumers, self-sufficiency and competence can be developed and promoted to improve health outcomes, placing the patient in a participatory starring role of managing and improving his or her overall well-being.

scholarly journals The role of communication and oral health literacy in prevention and promotion of oral health

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-57
Author(s):  
Lidushka Vasileska ◽  
Elena Kosevska ◽  
Tanja Lekovska Stoicovska ◽  
Vjosa Rechica
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Medical Education ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Patient Population ◽  
Effective Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Oral Health Literacy ◽  
Health And Well Being

  Dental care prevention involves prophylactic oral health practices and strategies that are primarily targeted to diseases of the oral tissues with the focus on prevention of certain conditions. Not enough attention has been given to the communication between the dentist and the patient as well as the ability or the inability to understand patient's health information. The aim of this paper is to present the current practices and regulations related to the effective communication between oral healthcare professionals and patient population, and their representation and influence in improving and raising the profile of the oral health on a national level. Materials and method:A systematic literature search was conducted including published scientific articles between 1977 and 2018. Studies discussing the improvement of oral health in the function of general health and well-being in the patient population of all ages were analyzed. The main focus was put on the commitment of the oral health community in the global agenda and the importance of integrating multifactorial approaches to prevention. Particular attention was paid to the representation of the skills for effective communication between health care professionals and patient population, and the medical education (health education), which should result in the individual's health literacy. Results: During the global struggle to improve the oral health, efforts are being made to enhance current practices and share knowledge about preventive care and treatment in oral health science and education in order to ensure the general health and well-being of the patient population of all ages. Unfortunately, the commitment to take action in raising effective communication and oral health literacy is minimal. Conclusion: Improving the communication between the oral health care professionals and the patient population in the direction of an interactive, dynamic and flexible process, as well as raising the level of oral health literacy among the population through targeted and carefully developed medical education should be the first step in any preventive program for raising the level of oral health.

Mobile Health Literacy to Improve Health Outcomes in Low-Middle Income Countries

2017 ◽  
pp. 1398-1411
Author(s):  
Nafisa Fatima Maria Vaz
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Feasible Solutions ◽  
Improve Health

Despite improvements in health indicators over time, such as decreased mortality and morbidity, significant challenges remain with regard to the quality in the delivery of healthcare in low and middle-income countries (LMIC's), especially in rural and remote regions of developing countries. In the effort to find feasible solutions to these issues, a lot of importance is given to the information and communication technologies (ICTs) The author reviews the evidence of the role mobile phones facilitating health literacy to contribute to improved health outcomes in the LMIC's. This was done by exploring the results of ten projects. The author examines the extent to which the use of mobile phones could help improve health outcomes in two specific ways: in improving health literacy and promoting health and well-being, thus increasing life expectancy in LMIC's. Analysis of the papers indicates that there is important evidence of mobile phones boosting increased access, promoting education and increased health literacy leads to the better health status of the population.

scholarly journals Experiences of Using Web-Based and Mobile Technologies to Support Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes: Qualitative Study (Preprint)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Kelly ◽  
Crispin Jenkinson ◽  
David Morley
Keyword(s):  
Type 2 Diabetes ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mobile Technologies ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Coordinated Care ◽  
Web Based ◽  
The Impact

BACKGROUND The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising, placing increasing strain on health care services. Web-based and mobile technologies can be an important source of information and support for people with type 2 diabetes and may prove beneficial with respect to reducing complications due to mismanagement. To date, little research has been performed to gain an insight into people’s perspectives of using such technologies in their daily management. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of using Web-based and mobile technologies to support the management of type 2 diabetes. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 people with type 2 diabetes to explore experiences of using Web-based and mobile technologies to manage their diabetes. Transcripts were analyzed using the framework method. RESULTS Technology supported the users to maintain individualized and tailored goals when managing their health. A total of 7 themes were identified as important to participants when using technology to support self-management: (1) information, (2) understanding individual health and personal data, (3) reaching and sustaining goals, (4) minimizing disruption to daily life, (5) reassurance, (6) communicating with health care professionals, and (7) coordinated care. CONCLUSIONS Patients need to be supported to manage their condition to improve well-being and prevent diabetes-related complications from arising. Technologies enabled the users to get an in-depth sense of how their body reacted to both lifestyle and medication factors—something that was much more difficult with the use of traditional standardized information alone. It is intended that the results of this study will inform a new questionnaire designed to assess self-management in people using Web-based and mobile technology to manage their health.

scholarly journals Understanding the Influence of Ghanaian Women’s Migration Patterns on Access to Health Care 

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle Malagón ◽  
Laiba Rizwan ◽  
Solina Richter
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Social Determinants Of Health ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Determinants Of Health ◽  
Primary Study ◽  
Female Migrants

Abstract Background: In recent years, there has been a noted increase in migration rates with trends marking a rise in women seeking relocation as means to access employment or academic opportunities; this growth is referred to as the feminization of migration. Migration stimulates female empowerment, increases access to financial opportunities, and promotes cultural diversity; all while simultaneously exposing women to detrimental conditions that impose risks to their physical and psychological well-being. Health is a fundamental human right that female migrants often get deprived of due to various social, cultural, political and economic factors in the destination region. These factors catalyze inhabitable environments in which migrant women are further exposed to harm, stimulating their status as vulnerable populations. Methods: We performed a secondary analysis to explore how the social determinants of health, specifically socioeconomic status, culture, and education impact health outcomes and health care access of Ghanaian women who migrated internally within Ghana or externally to Canada. Fourteen interview transcripts, seven from each primary study dataset, were analyzed using thematic analysis and an intersectionality approach. Ethical approval was received for the primary studies and our secondary analysis via the Ethics Review Board at the University of Alberta, Canada. Results: Ghanaian female migrants experienced varying obstacles in terms of accessing health care services. The barriers were identified as cultural, financial, social, and lack of health insurance. Ghanaian women’s health outcomes were influenced by the conditions surrounding their migration including working conditions, separation from family, altered social support systems, and financial constraints. Conclusion: Areas requiring further research and development were identified by assessing migrants’ social determinants of health in the destination country and the associated-barriers in accessing health services. We hope our findings will serve as a foundation for improving health outcomes for female migrant populations and support health care professionals' practice of cultural competence.

Mobile Health Literacy to Improve Health Outcomes in Low-Middle Income Countries

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 4-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nafisa Fatima Maria Vaz
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Health Indicators ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low Middle Income Countries ◽  
Improve Health

Despite improvements in health indicators over time, such as decreased mortality and morbidity, significant challenges remain with regard to the quality in the delivery of healthcare in low and middle-income countries (LMIC's), especially in rural and remote regions of developing countries.In the effort to find feasible solutions to these issues, a lot of importance is given to the information and communication technologies (ICTs) The author reviews the evidence of the role mobile phones facilitating health literacy to contribute to improved health outcomes in the LMIC's. This was done by exploring the results of ten projects. The author examines the extent to which the use of mobile phones could help improve health outcomes in two specific ways: in improving health literacy and promoting health and well-being, thus increasing life expectancy in LMIC's. Analysis of the papers indicates that there is important evidence of mobile phones boosting increased access, promoting education and increased health literacy leads to the better health status of the population.

scholarly journals Supporting Good Intentions With Good Evidence: How to Increase the Benefits of Diabetes Social Media

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 974-978 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claire Reidy ◽  
David C. Klonoff ◽  
Katharine D. Barnard-Kelly
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Personal Information ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Good Evidence ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Online Social Media ◽  
Practical Support

Social media provides a platform for easily accessible, relevant health information and emotional and practical support at the touch of a button for millions of people with diabetes. Therein however lies a challenge. The accuracy and reliability of such information is often unknown and unverified, not all interactions are deemed supportive; practically or emotionally, and not all members of society have equitable access. Cyber bullying, requests for personal information and uninvited sharing are among the risks associated with social media, yet the use of online social media is increasing exponentially. Such reliance on web-based health information has given rise to concerns about patients’ ability to accurately assess the credibility of online sources as well as the potential detrimental effect on personal well-being and patient-provider relations. In addition, there are rising digital disparities for particular subpopulations. Further, these concerns apply to where and how health care professionals should engage or refer patients to in terms of platforms of online support. There is little doubt regarding the popularity of social media, both within and outside of the health arena but there are also concerns. This article outlines five key areas associated with social media use in people living with diabetes and presents potential considerations moving forward. We focus on (1) social media as a platform for information and support; (2) social media interactions that are not supportive; (3) lessons from the DOC; (4) concerns about accuracy, reliability, and accessibility of information; and (5) differing priorities of health care professionals and patients.

scholarly journals Feasibility of a Web-Based Psychoeducation Course and Experiences of Caregivers Living With a Person With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: Mixed Methods Study

10.2196/25480 ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. e25480
Author(s):  
Anna Laine ◽  
Minna Anttila ◽  
Heli Hirvonen ◽  
Maritta Välimäki
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽  
The Web

Background Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that burdens both patients and caregivers. Objective The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a web-based psychoeducation course targeted at caregivers of persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and to describe their experiences of living with a person with SSD based on the material caregivers produced during the web-based course. Methods A convergent, parallel, mixed methods study design was used. First, caregivers’ engagement in the course was evaluated quantitatively. Second, the overview of the course feedback was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods. Third, the experiences of being a caregiver to a person with SSD were analyzed qualitatively with the thematic analysis of the writings caregivers produced during the web-based course. Results A total of 30 caregivers participated in the study and a web-based psychoeducation course. Less than two-thirds (18/30, 60%) completed the course. Content was most often logged for the first module, Orientation (3465 log-ins), and the lowest number of log-ins was recorded for the Daily life module (1061 log-ins). Feedback on the course varied; over half (10/17, 59%) of the caregivers considered the content to be very good or good, about half (9/17, 53%) considered the website layout to be good, only 6% (1/17) felt that the usability of the website was poor, and no one felt that it was very poor. From the reported experiences of being a caregiver to a person with SSD, 3 themes were formed: the caregiver’s own well-being, relationship with the person with SSD, and experience of health care services. Conclusions The web-based psychoeducation course for caregivers living with a person with SSD seems to be especially suitable for those who have little experience as a caregiver. In the future, more planning and the consideration of aspects related to the needs of specific target groups, course content, practical arrangements, and scheduling should be taken into account. In addition, although caregivers can improve their own well-being in different ways, they need regular support and cooperation from health care professionals.

scholarly journals Feasibility of a Web-Based Psychoeducation Course and Experiences of Caregivers Living With a Person With Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Laine ◽  
Minna Anttila ◽  
Heli Hirvonen ◽  
Maritta Välimäki
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Schizophrenia Spectrum ◽  
The Web

BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that burdens both patients and caregivers. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to examine the feasibility of a web-based psychoeducation course targeted at caregivers of persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) and to describe their experiences of living with a person with SSD based on the material caregivers produced during the web-based course. METHODS A convergent, parallel, mixed methods study design was used. First, caregivers’ engagement in the course was evaluated quantitatively. Second, the overview of the course feedback was evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods. Third, the experiences of being a caregiver to a person with SSD were analyzed qualitatively with the thematic analysis of the writings caregivers produced during the web-based course. RESULTS A total of 30 caregivers participated in the study and a web-based psychoeducation course. Less than two-thirds (18/30, 60%) completed the course. Content was most often logged for the first module, <i>Orientation</i> (3465 log-ins), and the lowest number of log-ins was recorded for the <i>Daily life</i> module (1061 log-ins). Feedback on the course varied; over half (10/17, 59%) of the caregivers considered the content to be very good or good, about half (9/17, 53%) considered the website layout to be good, only 6% (1/17) felt that the usability of the website was poor, and no one felt that it was very poor. From the reported experiences of being a caregiver to a person with SSD, 3 themes were formed: the caregiver’s own well-being, relationship with the person with SSD, and experience of health care services. CONCLUSIONS The web-based psychoeducation course for caregivers living with a person with SSD seems to be especially suitable for those who have little experience as a caregiver. In the future, more planning and the consideration of aspects related to the needs of specific target groups, course content, practical arrangements, and scheduling should be taken into account. In addition, although caregivers can improve their own well-being in different ways, they need regular support and cooperation from health care professionals. CLINICALTRIAL

scholarly journals Anxiety, trauma and well-being in health-care professionals during COVID-19 first wave in Spain: the moderating role of personal protection equipment availability

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Miriam Bajo ◽  
Pilar Gallego ◽  
Maria Stavraki ◽  
Grigorios Lamprinakos ◽  
Pablo Luna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Positive Mental Health ◽  
Personal Protection ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
Equipment Availability

Abstract Background The effect of COVID-19 on Health-Care Professionals’ mental health has received increased attention in the last year’s literature. However, previous studies essentially evaluated psychopathological symptoms and not the presence of positive mental health. Therefore, the first objective of the present research is to evaluate health-care professionals’ mental illness (i.e., anxiety and traumatic intensity) and positive mental health (i.e., well-being) using the Complete State Model of Health. Our second objective is to study the effect of Personal Protection Equipment availability on professionals’ mental health. Methods Two-hundred and thirty-two health-care professionals working in Spain in the first line of COVID-19 patient care participated in the study. To measure anxiety, traumatic intensity and well-being participants completed the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Davidson Trauma Scale, and the Mental Health Continuum-Short Form. Pearson correlations were used to examine the relationships between all scales. In order to test the two continua model of mental health, we used parallel analysis and exploratory factor analysis. To analyze anxiety, traumatic intensity, and well-being differences between health-care professionals with and without Personal Protection Equipment availability we conducted different ANOVAS. To test our hypothesis regarding the moderating role of Personal Protection Equipment availability in the effect of mental illness on positive mental health, data were subjected to a hierarchical regression analysis. Results As in previous studies, health-care professionals showed high levels of anxiety and traumatic intensity. They also presented low levels of well-being indicators. According to our hypothesis, results of parallel analysis and exploratory factorial analysis indicated that the measures of mental illness and positive mental health loaded on separate but correlated factors. Finally, Personal Protection Equipment availability moderated the effects of state anxiety and traumatic intensity on professionals’ well-being. Conclusions Health-care professionals’ mental illness and positive mental health reflect distinct continua, rather than the extreme ends of a single spectrum. Therefore, it is essential to measure both psychopathology and the presence of positive health to comprehensively evaluate professionals’ mental health. Finally, our results indicated that Personal Protection Equipment availability is essential not only for professionals’ physical health, but also for their mental health.

scholarly journals Occupational Stress and Psychological Well-Being: The Role of Psychological Capital

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Farah Shazlin Johari ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Occupational Stress ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Psychological Capital ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
The Relationship

Occupational stress has become an important issue in many organizations, since it significantly results in unfavorable effects on both employees and businesses including infectious diseases, malpractice, creativity, productivity and economic loss. Even though, there were plethora of research confirm the negative effect of occupational stress on employees’ psychological well-being, however, there were limited of research highlighted in the field of health care industry involving health care professionals. Furthermore, there is dearth of knowledge in the literatures focusing on mediating effect on these relationships, since there has been a rise of several interventions to strengthen the relationship between occupational stress and psychological well-being. Thus, this present study is intended to determine the relationship between occupational stress, psychological well-being and psychological capital. In addition, this study also intended to propose the role of psychological capital as mediator between these relationships. Since, the study is still at its infancy stage in the health care context, future research could integrate to expand this study especially in practical perspectives, to benefit both employees and organizations.

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