The APA Health Literacy SIG completed a member survey that showed interest in health literacy policy, implementation, and research. Based on the survey and discussion at the 2019 PAS, we sought to identify opportunities to further member engagement.
Because of the cancellation of the 2020 PAS, we launched two successful virtual networking and discussion events and plan to host additional sessions throughout the year. It was great to connect with people, even at a distance. The initial virtual event discussion centered around health literacy and telehealth, discussing how challenging telehealth can be for vulnerable populations and how the health literacy community could help these patients and families. We also discussed developing a national network for the creation of health literate information, to be used now during COVID but also to be at the ready for future public health emergencies. During the second discussion event, we also discussed developing a curriculum for teaching about health literacy. Many discussants provide medical education about health literacy and a curriculum that could be shared and endorsed by the SIG could be greatly useful. We plan to create working groups around both of these ideas so please reach out if you are interested in joining either group. The Health Literacy SIG also connected members with the Institute for Healthcare Advancement Health Literacy Solutions center that is curating reader-friendly COVID-related materials from throughout the world. Find the materials warehouse at: https://www.healtHealth Literacyiteracysolutions.org/browse/coronavirus-covid-19-resources741
The SIG is reminding members to join the Health Literacy SIG Community on the APA website, since not all members were carried over when the new APA website was launched. We hope to use the Community as a place to promote collaboration on future activities.
In August, we hosted two virtual poster presentations, scheduled 8/10/2020 at 4:30pm EDT and 8/21/2020 at 5:00pm EDT with 4-6 scholars presenting their health literacy research. These sessions featured both discussion of the projects and virtual networking to follow presentations.
During this last year, the Health Literacy SIG began meeting to discuss a research project for members of the SIG. The research involves discharge instructions from the hospital, particularly for children with complex medical needs. Before schedules became more challenging, the group had two conference meetings to discuss goals and planning. We anticipate that will continue this fall. If there is any interest in working with the SIG on this project, please reach out.
The Health Literacy SIG partnered with the Serving the Underserved SIG this past year for PAS planning. We continue to move this work forward and hope to connect with you all at PAS next year!
