The National Health Literacy Partnership ran a series of health literacy pilots.
The study found that people who couldn’t use the NHS App (Because for example, no smartphone or dexterity issues) were able to access their NHS account through the NHS website with help from library staff and computers, allowing them to better manage their health. For example, showing people how to access health information using the Health A-Z increased their confidence in how the information structure. . This helps them trust and follow the guidance for setting up an account.
The first wave of wider activity with the NHS App and signposting to health information from public libraries showed that public libraries welcomed the training resources that had been provided. However, they wanted to have greater NHS engagement and more promotional materials. They also found the impact monitoring too difficult and wanted lighter touch optional methods to demonstrate impact.
Following a review, the National Health Literacy Partnership agreed to continue to deliver this offer. The next stage will have a lighter-touch national approach with updated resources, exploration of better support for NHS connections and less requirement for data.