BowelScreen was delighted to be one of five recipients of this year's MSD Crystal Clear Health Literacy Awards, winning the category of Best Health Promotion Project for the Home Test Kit instructions. The top five projects were selected from over 130 entries which had to demonstrate how they addressed the issue of health literacy in a practical and patient-friendly way. In today’s health context, where patients are being encouraged to make more informed decisions and maintain wellness, health literacy (that is, a person’s ability to understand and use basic health information) is increasingly important.
Other winners of the award this year included "The Misunderstood” - a service-user led documentary focussing on the experiences of people diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome; 'BUGRUN' - an e-resource developed to raise awareness about the risks of over-using antibiotics; SteppingUP – a support for children with long-term illnesses and PUMP4Kids – resources for children to support them managing diabetes.
Ms Ciara O’Rourke, Director, MSD and Awards Judge “I would like to congratulate this year’s winners and finalists on their excellent projects. By entering the Awards they are not only being recognised for their efforts in communicating clearly to patients but also giving others in the health service the opportunity to learn from what they have done. All the winning projects truly are examples of best practice and have proven that they have made a difference for their patients and those they hoped to reach.”
Ms Inez Bailey, Director, NALA “One in six Irish adults has difficulty fully understanding information presented to them in health care settings. This can be anything from understanding guidelines on medication packs and bottles, to appointment slips and medical education materials. Year on year the awards highlight the amazing work that is being done across the country to improve communication to the customer. We are delighted to be part of these awards over the past seven years, and would like congratulate healthcare professionals for making a real difference.”
The Awards represent an ongoing partnership between MSD and the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) and this year received endorsement from the Healthy Ireland initiative, with the Irish Medical Times as a media partner.
Further information on the Crystal Clear MSD Health Literacy Awards is available at: www.healthliteracy.ie