A review of effectiveness, including cost effectiveness wherever possible, of commissioned healthy weight-related projects in City and Hackney: final report

Combatting rising levels of overweight and obesity and their subsequent negative impact on health and well-being is an international, national and local priority. Strategies for promoting healthy weight need to encompass efforts to tackle the obesogenic environment as well as individual lifestyles. Before launching new strategies and projects there is a need to take stock of what is already happening. What is required is a clear picture of the kinds of healthy weight related projects that are currently in operation and an assessment of whether these projects demonstrate the characteristics known to associated with effectiveness, acceptability, accessibility and good practice. The research project described in this report aimed to: identify and map healthy weight-related projects at a local level in the London boroughs of City and Hackney, review project strengths and weaknesses, and develop a set of assessment metrics (including cost where possible) to review and monitor projects in the future. The project was part of a larger programme of work commissioned by NHS City and Hackney, Hackney Council, the Corporation of London and their partners who are seeking to effect a step change in their strategy to tackle obesity and promote healthy weight

Patient information materials in general practices and promotion of health literacy: an observational study of their effectiveness

Background Government policy in the UK emphasises providing patients with good health information to encourage participation in their health care. Patient information leaflets (PILs) form part of this policy and have been shown to affect patient health outcomes; however, many are poorly written.Aim To describe the PILs in general practice surgeries in Stoke-on-Trent in terms of readability and variety of content.Design and setting An observational study of randomly selected GP practices (n = 17) across Stoke-on-Trent.Method PILs were assessed for readability (Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level) and compared with national skills level data and with the recommended level for medical information. The PILs were also categorised for content using the Rudd (2007) health material classification framework.Results A total of 345 PILs were collected and assessed. Only 24.3% meet recommended reading-level criteria. Compared with national skills levels, over 75% of the PILs collected were too complex for at least 15% of the English population. Of the PILs, 47.8% were classified as ‘systems navigation’ (information regarding services); 22.9% were disease prevention (screening and immunisations); 14.2% personal and public safety; and less than 10% were for managing illness or health promotion.Conclusion Current PILs in general practices do not all promote health literacy. Information only accessible to a proportion of higher skilled patients may increase inequalities in health. Less than 10% of PILs promote managing illness or healthy lifestyles. Processes must be put in place to improve the readability and variety of content of PILs in GP practices

Supplementary_photos – Supplemental material for Celebrating the health literacy skills of parents: A photovoice study

<p>Supplemental material, Supplementary_photos for Celebrating the health literacy skills of parents: A photovoice study by Emee Vida Estacio, Lavinia Nathan and Joanne Protheroe in Journal of Health Psychology</p

Effective Partnership in Community-Based Health Promotion: Lessons from the Health Literacy Partnership

This paper aims to explore key elements needed to successfully develop healthy partnerships and collaborative working in community-based health promotion. It draws upon the lessons learned from a case study with the Health Literacy Partnership in Stoke-on-Trent, UK in developing the health literacy strategy in the area. The process was underpinned by respect for diverse yet complementary perspectives and skills from the grassroots up. This involved engagement with key stakeholders, development and support for community projects, and sharing of good practice with other national and local organizations. Stakeholders involved in developing the strategy also had a keen interest in health literacy and a strong commitment to promoting health and well-being in the area. Through patience, perseverance, and continuous open communication and learning, the health literacy strategy in Stoke-on-Trent, UK is beginning to have a ripple effect into local practice, and will potentially influence policy in the future

Patient information materials in general practices and promotion of health literacy: an observational study of their effectiveness

BACKGROUND: Government policy in the UK emphasises providing patients with good health information to encourage participation in their health care. Patient information leaflets (PILs) form part of this policy and have been shown to affect patient health outcomes; however, many are poorly written. AIM: To describe the PILs in general practice surgeries in Stoke-on-Trent in terms of readability and variety of content. DESIGN AND SETTING: An observational study of randomly selected GP practices (n = 17) across Stoke-on-Trent. METHOD: PILs were assessed for readability (Flesch Reading Ease and Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level) and compared with national skills level data and with the recommended level for medical information. The PILs were also categorised for content using the Rudd (2007) health material classification framework. RESULTS: A total of 345 PILs were collected and assessed. Only 24.3% meet recommended reading-level criteria. Compared with national skills levels, over 75% of the PILs collected were too complex for at least 15% of the English population. Of the PILs, 47.8% were classified as ‘systems navigation’ (information regarding services); 22.9% were disease prevention (screening and immunisations); 14.2% personal and public safety; and less than 10% were for managing illness or health promotion. CONCLUSION: Current PILs in general practices do not all promote health literacy. Information only accessible to a proportion of higher skilled patients may increase inequalities in health. Less than 10% of PILs promote managing illness or healthy lifestyles. Processes must be put in place to improve the readability and variety of content of PILs in GP practices