Extract below. Read online: https://pifonline.org.uk/resources/knowledge-empowers/
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Survey of health information users shows credible information empowers patients and helps people feel less alone.
Only 1 in 10 people with long term conditions are signposted to health information from NHS services. Those with access to information from trusted sources report feeling empowered and less alone.
In 2024, Asthma and Lung UK, Anthony Nolan, Cognitant Group, CoppaFeel, Macmillan Cancer Support, National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society, Royal College of Anaesthetists, Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK, and Tommy’s shared a survey on the impact of health information with their users. The survey was designed to be a qualitative companion to PIF's earlier research with Ipsos. Results were analysed by PIF and the University of Nottingham. Key findings include:
8 in 10 agreed information provided by the organisation helped them manage their health.
9 in 10 seek health information before making a GP appointment or hospital appointment.
8 in 10 feel confident in their knowledge to discuss their treatment with their care team.
9 in 10 go to appointments with questions prepared.
6 in 10 say their views are taken seriously by health professionals...
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COMMENTS (NPW):
1. Patient Information Forum and the above survey is UK-centric. It would be interesting to learn about experience in other countries.
2. Patient Information Forum is 'a membership organisation for anyone producing health information and support. We promote access to trusted, evidence-based health information for patients, carers, the public and healthcare professionals'. They are also a valued HIFA supporting organisation. https://www.hifa.org/support/supporting-organisations Is there an equivalent of PIF in other countries?
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org