scholarly journals Promoting health literacy during the COVID-19 pandemic: a call to action for healthcare professionals

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
April Joy Damian ◽  
Joseph J. Gallo
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Literacy ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Call To Action ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
Four Levels

The extraordinary spread of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic is impressive. And, to public health professionals like us, it’s worrying: We know that good information and good health go hand in hand. Knowing what we do about the practice of public health and what the science tells us about how people fall for misinformation, we see promising strategies for intervention in our own field. We therefore call on fellow healthcare professionals to take concerted action against misinformation, and we suggest here one lever our field is perfectly situated to address: health literacy. In this commentary, we propose concrete strategies for colleagues at four levels of practice: in healthcare organizations, community-based partnerships, cross-sector collaborations, and as individual healthcare providers.

scholarly journals Health literacy level in a various nephrology population from Québec: predialysis clinic, in-centre hemodialysis and home dialysis; a transversal monocentric observational study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annabel Boyer ◽  
Yannick Begin ◽  
Julie Dupont ◽  
Mathieu Rousseau-Gagnon ◽  
Nicolas Fernandez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Observational Study ◽  
Health Information ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Home Dialysis ◽  
Limited Health Literacy ◽  
Limited Health

Abstract Background Health literacy refers to the ability of individuals to gain access to, use, and understand health information and services in order to maintain a good health. It is especially important in nephrology due to the complexity of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The present study sought to define health literacy levels in patients followed in predialysis clinic, in-center dialysis (ICHD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and home hemodialysis (HHD). Methods This transversal monocentric observational study analysed 363 patients between October 2016 and April 2017. The Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS) and the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ) were used to measure health literacy. Multivariate linear regressions were used to compare the mean scores on the BHLS and HLQ, across the four groups. Results Patients on PD had a significantly higher BHLS’score than patients on ICHD (p = 0.04). HLQ’s scores differed across the groups: patients on HHD (p = 0.01) and PD (p = 0.002) were more likely to feel understood by their healthcare providers. Compared to ICHD, patients on HHD were more likely to have sufficient information to manage their health (p = 0.02), and patients in the predialysis clinic were more likely to report high abilities for health information appraisal (p < 0.001). Conclusion In a monocentric study, there is a significant proportion of CKD patients, especially in predialysis clinic and in-centre hemodialysis, with limited health literacy. Patients on home dialysis (HHD and PD) had a higher level of health literacy compared to the other groups.

scholarly journals The 4-Level Approach: Prevention of Suicidal Behaviour Through Community-Based Intervention

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Hegerl ◽  
Ines Heinz ◽  
Ainslie O'Connor ◽  
Hannah Reich
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Primary Care ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Suicidal Behaviour ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Community Based Interventions ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Four Levels ◽  
The Many ◽  
Different Levels

Due to the many different factors contributing to diagnostic and therapeutic deficits concerning depression and the risk of suicidal behaviour, community-based interventions combining different measures are considered the most efficient way to address these important areas of public health. The network of the European Alliance Against Depression has implemented in more than 120 regions within and outside of Europe community-based 4-level-interventions that combine activities at four levels: (i) primary care, (ii) general public, (iii) community facilitators and gatekeepers (e.g., police, journalists, caregivers, pharmacists, and teachers), and (iv) patients, individuals at high risk and their relatives. This review will discuss lessons learned from these broad implementation activities. These include targeting depression and suicidal behaviour within one approach; being simultaneously active on the four different levels; promoting bottom-up initiatives; and avoiding any cooperation with the pharmaceutical industry for reasons of credibility.

Teaching Graduate Students to Evaluate Public Health Programs Through Community-Based Learning

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 119-127
Author(s):  
Brenda M. Joly
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Program Evaluation ◽  
Core Competency ◽  
Learning Opportunities ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Health Programs ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Public Health Programs ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
Community Based Learning

Public health professionals are increasingly called on to demonstrate program evaluation skills, a core competency for the field. Learning opportunities that are connected to community organizations with identified evaluation needs give students meaningful opportunities to build and test new skills. When thoughtfully implemented, community-based learning benefits both the student and the community, yet there are several important considerations for designing a course that incorporates this feature. This article describes one approach for teaching graduate public health students how to conceptualize and write a comprehensive program evaluation plan for a community agency, based on the needs, priorities, and capacity of that agency. Lessons learned and recommendations for adopting this model are discussed.

The Cepa Project: A New Model for Community-Based Program Planning

1994 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Buchanan ◽  
Edna Apostol ◽  
Dalila Balfour ◽  
Carmen Claudio ◽  
Joani Marinoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Puerto Ricans ◽  
Program Planning ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Community Based ◽  
New Model ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
Successes And Challenges ◽  
Basic Philosophy

The article describes a new model of community-based program planning developed by the Centro de Educacion, Prevencion y Accion (CEPA) project, an HIV prevention program for Puerto Ricans located in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Based on models of critical thinking, empowerment and participatory education, the basic philosophy of the CEPA project is to narrow the gap between program developers and program recipients to the greatest extent possible. The article discusses the successes and challenges encountered in approaching this ideal. The article concludes with recommendations for public health professionals considering the use of community-based approaches to address public health issues.

scholarly journals Barriers to Integrate Physical Exercise Into the Ethiopian Healthcare System to Treat Non-Communicable Diseases

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melkamu D. Kassa ◽  
Jeanne Grace
Keyword(s):  
Physical Exercise ◽  
Built Environment ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Healthcare Organizations ◽  
Exercise Participation ◽  
Referral Hospitals ◽  
Non Communicable Disease

Introduction: Physical exercise is recognized as one component of non-communicable disease prevention, but little attention has been devoted to integrating physical exercise into the Ethiopian healthcare system, with the barriers to its inclusion being unclear. Objectives: The present study explores the bottlenecks to integrate physical exercise into the Ethiopian healthcare system to treat non-communicable disease. Design: A mixed method sequential explanatory design. Setting: Public referral hospitals in Ethiopia. Methodology: Data was collected in two phases among 312 (195 males and 117 females) healthcare professionals. The participants were selected proportionately and randomly from 13 public referral hospitals. Results: Lack of: national coordination to promote physical exercise (t (311) = 69.20, p &lt; .0005), trained physical exercise professionals (t (311) = 14.42, p &lt; .0005); physical exercise guidelines (t (311) = 33.25, p &lt; .0005); training how to prescribe physical exercise by healthcare providers (t (311) = 62.94, p &lt; .0005); information on the health benefits of physical exercise to give to their patients (t (311) = 65.62, p &lt; .0005); and built environment that encourages physical exercise participation (t (311) = 59.64, p &lt; .0005) were identified as barriers. Additionally, built environment, policy, healthcare professionals&#39; lifestyle, demography of healthcare professionals, health information coverage of physical exercise and the hospital physical building were also identified as barriers. Conclusions: Physical exercise appears marginalized from the Ethiopian healthcare system. Healthcare organizations and policy makers could take the cited barriers into consideration to plan, design and integrate physical exercise into the healthcare system to prevent NCDs in Ethiopia.

scholarly journals Health Literacy in Diabetes management: A priority in health care

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
D do Ó ◽  
J Raposo ◽  
A Goes ◽  
I Loureiro
Keyword(s):  
Health Literacy ◽  
Glycemic Control ◽  
Health Information ◽  
General Health ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Sufficient Information ◽  
Positive Perception

Abstract Background Glycemic control and self-management of diabetes are influenced by a range of factors, including health literacy - the ability to access, understand, appraise, and use health information. This study explored associations between domains of health literacy (HL), glycemic control and perceived general health in people with diabetes. Methodology Cross-sectional study, with 453 people with diabetes,attending the Portuguese Diabetes Association (APDP). We collected information on HL, demographics, glycemic control and self-perception of health. HL was assessed using the Health Literacy Questionnaire. Descriptive and correlational analysis were performed. Results 85.4% consider Feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers but only 54.1% have the Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers and 27.8% feel the Ability to find good health information,66.5% consider Having sufficient information to manage my health but only 38.7% are Understanding health information well enough to know what to do and 28.5% refer the Ability to find good health information. Higher HL scores were associated with better glycemic control and more positive perception of general health(GH) across the following domains: Having sufficient information to manage my health, Appraisal of health information, Ability to find good health information, Actively managing my health and social support for health. The domains Ability to actively engage with healthcare providers and Navigating the healthcare system were also associated with more positive perception of GH. Associations achieved either p &lt; 0.001 or p &lt; 0.05. Considering HL levels, a statistically significant negative association was found with the levels of HbA1c and positive association with perceived general health, even for functional HL. Conclusions The results emphasize the importance of improving the level of HL of people with diabetes in order to improve glycemic control and the perceive General Health Key messages Health literacy is critical for diabetes self-management. People with diabetes need to understand and use health information to promote well-being and diabetes control.

Accelerometer-Based Acimetry as Technology Applied to Healthcare

2011 ◽  
pp. 838-851 ◽  
Author(s):  
German Ruiz Tendero ◽  
Juan Jose Salinero Martin ◽  
Susana Aznar Lain
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Physical Activity ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Sedentary Lifestyle ◽  
Good Health ◽  
Healthy Lifestyles ◽  
Special Population ◽  
Public Health Professionals

This chapter reviews new quantification possibilities for the assessment of physical activity, a variable intimately related to good health. First, a variety of existing instruments are described with regard to their validity and functionality. Then, their applications are analyzed and categorized into two broad branches: sedentary lifestyle prevention and applications in special population segments. The authors’ intention is to make existing possibilities for assessment of physical activity known to researchers and public health professionals, as it is important for the achievement and promotion of active and healthy lifestyles in the population.

scholarly journals Health and Community-Based Services for Individuals with Neurological Conditions

2017 ◽  
Vol 44 (6) ◽  
pp. 670-675
Author(s):  
Sarah E.P. Munce ◽  
Kristen B. Pitzul ◽  
Sara J.T. Guilcher ◽  
Tarik Bereket ◽  
Mae Kwan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Healthcare Professionals ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Mental Healthcare ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Neurological Patient ◽  
Suburban Areas ◽  
Neurological Conditions ◽  
Community Based Services

AbstractBackground:The current study involves a national survey of healthcare providers who offer services for individuals with a variety of neurological conditions. It aims to describe the provision of health and community-based services as well as the admission criteria, waitlist practices, and referral sources of these services.Methods:An online survey was directed at administrators/managers from publicly funded hospital programs, long-term care homes, and community-based healthcare provider agencies that were believed to be providing information and/or services to patients with a variety of neurological conditions.Results:Approximately 60% (n=254) of respondents reported providing services in either urban/suburban areas or rural/remote areas only, whereas the remaining 40% (n=172) provided services regardless of patient location. A small proportion of respondents reported providing services for individuals with dystonia (28%), Tourette syndrome (17%), and Rett syndrome (13%). There was also a paucity of diverse healthcare professionals across all institutions, but particularly mental healthcare professionals in hospitals. Lastly, the majority of respondents reported numerous exclusion criteria with regard to service provision, including prevalent comorbid conditions.Conclusions:If the few services provided for these neurological patient populations exclude common comorbidities, it is likely that there will be no other place for these individuals to seek care.

scholarly journals Development of the Global Mycetoma Working Group

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita M Traxler ◽  
Karlyn D Beer ◽  
David D Blaney ◽  
Wendy W J van de Sande ◽  
Ahmed H Fahal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Working Group ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
The World ◽  
Treatment Research ◽  
Public Health Practitioners ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The Global Mycetoma Working Group (GMWG) was formed in January 2018 in response to the declaration of mycetoma as a neglected tropical disease (NTD) by the World Health Assembly. The aim of the working group is to connect experts and public health practitioners around the world to accelerate mycetoma prevention activities and reduce the impact of mycetoma on patients, healthcare providers and society in the endemic regions. The working group has made tangible contributions to mycetoma programming, awareness and coordination among scientists, clinicians and public health professionals. The group's connectivity has enabled rapid response and review of NTD documents in development, has created a network of public health professionals to provide regional mycetoma expertise and has enabled mycetoma to be represented within broader NTD organizations. The GMWG will continue to serve as a hub for networking and building collaborations for the advancement of mycetoma clinical management and treatment, research and public health programming.

scholarly journals Assessment of the infection prevention and control learning needs of Ottawa community-based healthcare providers

2019 ◽  
pp. 135-140
Author(s):  
Geneviève Cadieux ◽  
Abha Bhatnagar ◽  
Tamara Schindeler ◽  
Chatura Prematunge ◽  
Donna Perron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Professional Development ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Community Based ◽  
And Control

Background: Under the Health Protection and Promotion Act and Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) Complaint Protocol, Ontario public health units are mandated to respond to IPAC complaints about community-based clinical offices. From 2015 to 2018, Ottawa Public Health noted a seven-fold increase in IPAC complaints involving medical and dental settings. In response, we sought to assess the IPAC learning needs of our community-based healthcare providers. Specifically, our objectives were to assess: 1) clinical practice characteristics, 2) current IPAC practices, 3) IPAC knowledge, 4) barriers/facilitators to adherence to IPAC best practices, and 5) preferred IPAC professional development activities. Methods: An anonymous online survey targeting Ottawa community-based healthcare providers was disseminated through multiple methods including through Ottawa Public Health’s (OPH) subscription-based e-bulletin to physicians. The short survey questionnaire included Likert-scale, multiple choice, and open-ended questions. Data collection began in August 2018; a descriptive analysis was conducted using data extracted on January 19, 2019. Results: Our findings suggest that medical respondents may not be as aware of IPAC practices in their clinic as dental respondents were. Familiarity with IPAC best practice documents was also higher among dental respondents, as compared to medical respondents. IPAC knowledge-testing questions revealed that more medical than dental respondents knew the appropriate use of multi-dose vials, and that few medical respondents knew the IPAC best practices for point-of-care glucose monitoring equipment. Respondents recognized the importance of adhering to IPAC best practices to prevent healthcare-associated infections; however, lack of evidence and cost were selfreported barriers to adherence to IPAC best practices. Over half of all medical and dental respondents surveyed were interested in a voluntary audit of their IPAC practices to help meet their IPAC professional development needs. Conclusions: Findings from this needs assessment helped describe current IPAC practices and knowledge, identify barriers and facilitators to adherence to IPAC best practices, and understand the learning preferences of Ottawa community-based healthcare providers. This information will be instrumental in planning future IPAC capacity-building activities and tailoring these activities to specific professional groups in Ottawa and potentially beyond.

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