Information on health may be generally better received if consumers contributed to the planning and delivery of health information for their community, according to a new publication released today by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
The resource, Guide to effective participation of consumers and communities in developing and disseminating health information, shows how successful promotion of health information is generated from partnerships with health professionals, consumers and community groups.
NHMRC CEO, Warwick Anderson, said the guide was developed from a project that identified the current level of existing participation by consumers and communities, the barriers to their participation, and how to improve current practices.
'In recent years there has been a trend towards greater consumer and community involvement within health systems, including the development of health information.
'This policy shift acknowledges that consumers bring a unique perspective that complements the health professionals view, resulting in balanced and relevant information that is more likely to meet consumer needs.'
Professor Anderson said the guide highlights the key findings of the project and provides practical guidance on supporting consumer and community participation.
'Consumer input can be critical in the planning and evaluation process, say in pointing out things like the social aspects of a medical condition, identifying vulnerable groups that may have different needs to address, or working out the best ways to get information to where it's needed.
'This publication can help organisations establish more effective arrangements that allow shared decision-making throughout the process of planning, development, evaluation and dissemination of health information,' Professor Anderson said.
NHMRC media contact: Monique Mahoney, NHMRC Communications, tel. (02) 6217 9342