Journal article
Improving access to important recovery information for heart patients with low health literacy: reflections on practice-based initiatives
Lucio Naccarella, Catuscia Biuso, Amanda Jennings, Harry Patsamanis
Australian Health Review | CSIRO PUBLISHING | Published : 2019
DOI: 10.1071/AH17270
Abstract
Evidence exists for the association between health literacy and heart health outcomes. Cardiac rehabilitation is critical for recovery from heart attack and reducing hospital readmissions. Despite this, <30% of people participate in a program. Significant patient, hospital and health system challenges exist to improve recovery through increased heart health literacy. This brief case study reflects and documents practice-based initiatives by Heart Foundation Victoria to improve access to recovery information for patients with low literacy levels. Three key initiatives, namely the Six Steps To Cardiac Recovery resource, the Love Your Heart book and the nurse ambassador program, were impleme..
View full abstractGrants
Funding Acknowledgements
The authors thank Victorian Cardiac Clinical Network Facilitators and support Government staff; National Prescribing Service Medicine Wise and the wonderful heart patients and their carers who were involved in the consultations for development of the resources; cardiac nursing staff, pharmacists, cardiologists, general practitioners and allied health staff involved in the various consultations and contributing to the development and pilot of resources; and the 17 public hospitals in Victoria involved in the Nurse Ambassador Program. Funding support was received from Heart Foundation donors, the Victorian Government, The Percy Baxter Charitable Trust (managed by Perpetual) and the Ian Potter Foundation.