Did you know?

July 14th, 2010

that a person with arthritis who is well informed about their condition is more likely to lead a better quality of life?

Yes, it’s true…. And it’s not just people with arthritis. Research shows that people who can understand basic health information whether they receive it in writing, in person or over the phone can communicate with health professionals better, adhere and follow treatment and manage their condition better.

Being health literate means that you are clearly and accurately informed about your health. It involves you taking part in the decision making process and understanding your options when you fill out a consent form, go around a hospital or follow your doctors advice.

Recognising the significance of health literacy in Ireland, we’re glad to see that Ireland is to engage as a partner in the first EU health literacy survery. The EU survey will be carried out across eight European countries in September and provide the first real insight into the effect health literacy is having on society.

Ireland’s participation in the survey was funded partly by the European Agency for Health and Consumers and partly by The Department of Health and Children (through National Lottery funding) and UCD. The EU Health Literacy Survey findings will be published in February 2011 by Maastricht University, the University hosting the survey project… so watch this space for more.

If you’re living with arthritis and would like some support and information on understanding some of the terms and medical language used, contact the Arthritis Ireland helpline on LoCall 1890 252 846or email helpline@arthritisireland.ie to speak to our trained volunteers and to request a free copy of ‘Arthritis: Key words in plain language‘. Or, if you prefer you can visit the arthritis information section of our website here for this and any other booklet.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 at 12:22 pm |

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