Health Literacy Interest Group

A collaboration among the Center of Excellence in Women's Health, Spencer S. Eccles Health Sciences Library, School of Medicine, the Colleges of Nursing, Pharmacy, Health, and Department of Communication to meet the challenge of increasing the awareness of health literacy in Utah.

Announcements:

National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy

The action plan seeks to engage organizations, professionals, policymakers, communities, individuals, and families in a linked, multisector effort to improve health literacy. The plan is based on the principles that (1) everyone has the right to health information that helps them make informed decisions and (2) health services should be delivered in ways that are understandable and beneficial to health, longevity, and quality of life. The vision informing this plan is of a society that:

• Provides everyone with access to accurate and actionable health information
• Delivers person-centered health information and services
• Supports lifelong learning and skills to promote good health

Past Events:

May 4, 2011: A virtual session of 10th Annual Health Literacy Conference:

• National Action Plan to Improve Literacy (pdf invitation)
• When: May 4, 2011
• Time: 1:00pm to 2:30pm
• Where: HSEB 4100B and 4100C
• Faculty, staff and students are welcome

March 17, 2011: Health Literacy in the Real World: Awareness, Ideas, Solutions.

• When: March 17, 2011
• Time: 10 am to 11 am
• Where: HSEB 4100B and 4100C

April 6 - 8, 2009: Health Literacy Seminar & Workshops - University of Utah.

Training Programs

• "Prescription for Information: Addressing Health Information Literacy!"
  A health information literacy tutorial for health care providers emphasizing the importance of health literacy, the challenges patients face in understanding medical terminology and the impact that low health literacy has on patient care. Health information resources and strategies, as well as health literacy services provided by medical librarians are also described. The tutorial is free, but requires registration.
• Health Information Literacy Curriculum
  Two Powerpoint slide shows for health care professionals to learn more about health literacy:
  • 40 - 50 minute version (Powerpoint, 3.2MB)
  • 20 - 40 minute version (Powerpoint, 2.3MB)
  • more materials (such as a detailed script, notes for presenters, background reading, and tips for librarians) listed at the original Health Information Literacy Curriculum, developed as part of MLA's Health Information Literacy Research Project under a contract with the National Library of Medicine.

More Information:

• Health Literacy Information - from MLA, Medical Library Association.
  • Resources for Health and Information Professionals
  • Resources for Health Consumers
• Health Literacy - Institute of Medicine 2004 Report.

Group Meeting Minutes

• Minutes are limited to University of Utah affiliates.