mihealth online - a successful example of enabling patients to increase their health literacy

The Picker Institute Europe has been commissioned by the Department of Health to produce a web resource (www.investinengagement) providing a comprehensive review of the best worldwide evidence of what works to engage patients and the public in healthcare.

This site will help healthcare commissioners and providers in England to deliver higher quality, more efficient care and treatment,

mihealth online has been showcased within this resource as an illustration of a successful example of enabling patients to increase their health literacy.

Health literacy is essential for good health. If people cannot obtain, understand and use health information, they will not be able to look after themselves well or make appropriate decisions about their health.

• Immediate access to high quality, accurate, up to date information
  
  
• Provide accessible support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  
  
• Improve communication and the decision making process
  
  
• Help patients to make effective choices
  
  
• Strengthen the health professional/patient relationship
  
  
• Enable better self care
  
  
• Enable patients to understand, organise and manage their care more effectively
  
  
• Support the needs of family, friends and carers
  
  
• Provide links to health and social care organisations
  
  
• Increase satisfaction with the healthcare experience
  
  
• Reduced hospital visits and in patient stays
  
  
• Save time and effort by accessing everything in on place
  
  
• Easy to use