Communication lies at the very heart of what we do. Yet in the UK alone, half of all adults struggle to understand health information produced for the public. Poor ‘health literacy’ is linked to poor general health, difficulty taking medications correctly and even reduced life expectancy.
Effective clinical engagement is a key aim for clinicians, as embodied in the new RCPsych training curriculum. Therefore, providing clear, accurate written information for our patients and carers remains vital – for promoting collaborative care and addressing inequalities.
The most popular area of the College’s website is the patient information resources and translations, with over 5 million views last year alone - from people across 235 countries. Available online and in print, these resources for adults and young people cover a huge range of conditions and treatments - all coproduced by experts and patients.
This session will look at the processes that go into creating high-quality health information for patients, carers and the general public. It will explain how the RCPsych developed and refined its approach - including the lessons learned. Participants will learn about the benefits of using evidence-based written resources – including how best to recognise and incorporate them into their daily clinical practice.
By the end of the session, you will be able to:
- Describe reasons why the provision of quality written information is an integral part of good mental health care.
- Name the ‘10 Criteria for Trustworthy Health Information’ produced by the Patient Information Forum.
- Outline the process of developing information that is readable, up to date and accurate – including how to address controversies and uncertainties.
- Describe how service users and carers can be actively involved in the production of culturally sensitive materials.
- Understand how information resources can be incorporated into front line psychiatric practice.
Chair: Wendy Burn, Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Leeds, United Kingdom
Holly Davis-Bollard and Fiona Rajé, Royal College of Psychiatrists, United Kingdom
Phil Timms, King's College London, United Kingdom
Paul Blenkiron, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, York, United Kingdom
