Better health – literacy is the best remedy

Many people who deal effectively with other aspects of their lives find health information difficult to obtain, understand, or use. Patients are often faced with complex information and treatment decisions. International research has shown that patients who are better informed about their health have more effective consultations with their health care provider, are better informed about the medicines they are prescribed, are more likely to comply with their medication and as a result have improved health outcomes.

The facts

  • One in five Irish people are not fully confident that they understand all of the information they receive from their healthcare professional.
  • Forty three percent said they would only sometimes ask for clarification if they did not understand something their healthcare professional said to them.
  • One in 10 people admitted taking the wrong dose of medication because of failure to understand instructions.

Read more

Health News Feed

Monday, 7 November, 2011
On 28 November, MSD and NALA will once again join forces to advise and promote the benefits of removing literacy-related barriers in the health sector.
Friday, 1 January, 2010
NALA, Arthritis Ireland, the Department of Health & Children and pharmaceutical company, MSD have united for the first time today to raise awareness and address the issue of health literacy.
Wednesday, 1 April, 2009
Alice Leahy, Director of TRUST, was the first ‘Overall Winner’ at the Crystal Clear MSD Health Literacy Awards 2009 today.
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