The National Health Literacy Partnership ran a series of health literacy pilots (13 in public libraries and 1 in a prison library).
One of the key findings was that many people who were unable to use the NHS App for whatever reason (for example no smart phone, shared device, lack of dexterity etc.) with support from public library staff were then able to access their NHS account via the log-in functionality on the NHS website and better manage their health.
For example, showing people how to access general health information using the Health A-Z increased confidence in how the information is structured for setting up an account both for the health information and to access health services.
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, but 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 review, the National Health Literacy Partnership agreed to continue to deliver this offer, with a lighter-touch national approach with updated resources, exploration of better support for NHS connections and less requirement for data.