Improving Health Literacy in Seniors with Chronic Illness, from the Menzies Centre for Health Policy, examines the rising burden of chronic disease in Australia which has put the health system under pressure. The ageing population requires social support for chronic illness as well as addressing their physical problems and one health policy response has been to call for stronger patient engagement, which means patients understanding more about their condition and having the confidence to manage their illness at home and make informed decisions.
Interviews with patients and carers during this study revealed a sense of bewilderment and uncertainty. After serious episodes, often requiring repeated hospitalisation, they had been left largely to their own resources to cope with the challenges. The report concluded that health literacy is more than a one-off educational exercise and that more long-term strategies needed to be employed.
No comments:
Post a Comment