HLM: A Health Literacy liaison service for children
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The Health Literacy Mediator (HLM): Conceptualising a Health Literacy liaison service for acute paediatric care and schools in England.
IRAS ID
338809
Contact name
Victoria Dollard
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bolton
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 30 days
Research summary
A formative evaluation of a Health Literacy Mediator (HLM) using a mixed methods approach to determine if the co-creation of a HLM could be an intervention strategy to help drive and improve health literacy across paediatric care and schools in England. Health literacy is the constellation of skills required to make health decisions in everyday life. Children are reliant upon their parents or guardians and are frequently left out of important decisions regarding their health. Low parental health literacy can impact understanding of a child’s diagnosis and treatment and is closely associated with poor health outcomes. Health is closely synergised with health education. Health literacy skills should be central to lifelong learning and are crucial for improving preventative care and reducing health inequalities. The relationship between hospitals and schools can play a significant role in promoting health literacy in children. Through observations, questionnaires and short face to face interviews this study captures healthcare professionals’ perspectives on health literacy and examines the similarities and differences amongst doctors, nurses, paramedics, and students which can hinder or facilitate health literacy promotion in children. Children aged 7 to 11 and their parent’s perspectives of encounters are additionally gathered through questionnaires and Write Draw Tell.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0258
Date of REC Opinion
22 Mar 2024
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion