Three Key Challenges or Issues that Impact on Ensuring Health
Information Remains a Strategic Resource in the Australian Health Care
System
Three Key Challenges or Issues that Impact on Ensuring Health Information Remains a
Strategic Resource in the Australian Health Care SystemThree Key Challenges or Issues that
Impact on Ensuring Health Information Remains a Strategic Resource in the Australian
Health Care SystemPermalink: https:// /three-key-challe…alth-care-system/associated
with health or any form of health care. It forms the basis of campaigns that promote health
and aims at informing the public about issues in health and modifying the consumers’
behaviors that are related to health (Council of Australian Governments, 2011). very
sassists consumers of health care to search and receive services, managing their health
conditions and making everyday decisions to enhance their health. There are three major
challenges that affect the provision of health information in Australia negatively. The first
challenge is the provision of unclear, unfocused and unusable health information to the
consumers. The second challenge is the ineffective interpersonal communication. The last
challenge is poor integration of health literacy into education. These challenges ensure that
health information does not remain a strategic resource in the Australian Health care
system.Provision of Unclear, Unfocused and Unusable Health Information to the
ConsumersProvision of unclear, unfocused and unusable health information to the
consumers in affects the Australian health care system negatively (Nutbeam et al., 2000).
Health information is very important in promoting the well-being of the health care
consumers. They need this information to ensure that they search and receive quality health
services from health care workers (Australian Government, 2011). It is the same
information that they help consumers have an effective interaction with the health care
givers that ensure their conditions are well understood, and they receive the right
treatment. In Australia, health care providers do not give health information that is clear,
focused and usable by the consumers. These problems interfere with the provision of
quality health care in this country. These problems are some of the reasons why I decided to
aIDress this challenge. I can make the problem known, and I can also give actions for
aIDressing the challenge by looking at the issue critically. These actions can be of great help
to the policy makers who can correct the way consumers receive health information from
the health care practitioners. If consumers get clear, focused and usable health information,
the quality of health care offered in Australia will improve.There are problems with the

current health information in Australia. There exist some gaps between the health
information that the consumers need and what is accessible or provided to them. A research
done by health care providers and consumers investigating the quality of consumers health
information found that the quality of most information used by the consumers was poor
(Council of Australian Governments, 2011). It was poor in that it did not meet the
immediate need of the consumers, and it did not promote quality decision-making. Another
study indicated that most current health information is complicated and that many
consumers cannot understand it hence it not usable. (Nutbeam et al., 2000).From the
results of these studies, it is clear that it is a big challenge for consumers to access,
understand and apply the health information to their advantage. This problem of poor
understanding of health information is very prominent among those with low health
literacy. The health information complexity presents an important barrier especially to the
low literacy people and can hamper participation in their care. The complexity can also
hinder them from taking effective measures in issues concerning their health.There are
several strategies that can be used to make the health information clear, focused and usable
by the consumers (eHealth, 2013). esentation of this information (Australian Government,
2011). A good number of researcheshave been carried out to examine the interventions that
can be used in mitigating the consequences of low health literacy. These that the use few
clear strategies improved the understanding of health information. These clear strategies
include theInvolvement of the consumers in developing health information materials can
assist in aIDressing the health literacy by making sure that the information is clear, focused,
readable and usable (Department of Health and Ageing, 2012). Other effective strategies
include the process of personalizing the health information that is written and combining
both written and verbal information in reinforcing important health messages. One review
about this challenge identified that using resources with alternative formats such as
audiotapes, internet, virtual groups and health communities improved knowledge in
health and led to more user satisfaction (eHealth, 2013). The review also found beneficial
effects for consumers associated with self-efficacy, decision involvements and expressing
confidence during consultations with the health practitioners. Benefits were also noted on
health behavior especially in those consumers that used educational interventions that
were web-based. Many studies and reviews done aIDressing this issue prove that the
provision of clear, focused and usable health information to the consumers improve their
understanding of their conditions and contribute to their well-being.Ineffective
Interpersonal CommunicationInterpersonal communication is described as the
communication that occurs between two or more people (Best et al., 2012). Scholars believe
that effective communication should be based on empathy, understanding,the United States
identified use of ineffective personal communication as the largest obstacle in the provision
of quality health information (PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2010). In another study that was
carried out in China, use of ineffective personal communication was identified as the main
cause of poor provision of health information in that country (Victorian University, 2009).
So, the role of interpersonal communication cannot be ignored if health systems want to
provide quality health information to the public. I have been the victim of this ineffective
communication where the health care provider gave me instructions that I could not follow

due the poor communication that he used. Many people especially in Australia have suffered
in the hand of these health practitioners who do not understand that effective
communication is important while giving health information to a consumer. This problem in
personal communication stimulated me to search for effective actions to solve this problem
in Australia. I want health information to remain a strategic resource in the Australian
Health care system.Communication is a significant problem in the health care system. In
Australia, researchers have identified communication as the frequent cause of the
underlying complaints in health care and a major concern for consumers of health care
(Keleher & Hagger, 2007). The health information in Australia is available widely from
many sources, but consumers prefer to rely on health practitioners for information
concerning their health and health care. They also use other sources to supplement the
information such as media, friends, family and website. Consumers confirm that they seek
health information from health practitioners than any other source(Kickbusch, 2001;
Medicare Australia, 2012). However, many of the consumers have a big challenge of
comprehending what their health practitioners advise them to do (Best et al., 2012). The
problem of consumers not understanding most of what they are advised by their health
practitioners indicate that health care workers must learn to use effective interpersonal
communication.A study done in Australia indicated that most of the consumers are not able
to remember approximately 45% to 85% of the health information immediately given to
them by their health practitioners (Kickbusch, 2001).The failure to remember is a problem
of ineffective communication. Many experts believe that it is a mismatch between what the
health practitioner thinks they are delivering the message and what the comprehending and
recalling of the consumer. Health care workers comprehending of health skills and literacy
in interpersonal communication can help in contributing to the improvements in
remembering and satisfaction of the consumer (Keleher & Hagger, 2007). The consumer
understanding can lead to greater participation, confidence and more improved consumer’s
decision-making.There are several strategies that can be used in improving interpersonal
communication between the health practitioners and the consumers (Pleasant,
2012).Strategies for improving the interpersonal communication are mostly based on
approaches and principles that are patient-centered. Research has shown that fostering an
approach that is patient-centered to interpersonal communication lead to better health
care, enhanced communication and improved health outcomes. Patient-centered approach
is also related to increased efficiency of care. Strategies that health practitioners can use
include attentive listening and information prompting, and confirming comprehending of
the provided information (Jordan, Buchbinder & Osborne, 2010).These strategies also
include the provision of options that are relevant to the consumer, use of simple body
langhat the consumer intend to take (Institute of Medicine, 2001). These strategies can have
a significant change in the improvement of the quality of health care given to the consumers
and also help health information to remain a strategic resource in the Australian health care
system.Strategies that are used for improving interpersonal communication are mostly
focused on the particular tools or interventions of communication which foster
participation, partnership, debate and discussion by the consumers. There are different
types of these interventions, and they include using plain language in communicating health

information, choices and instructions (The Joint Commission, 2007). They also include using
decision aids which have been proved to result in improving knowledge, comprehending of
preventions, screening and relevant options in treatment. Processes of shared decision-
making have been shown as a significant foundation for care that is patient-centered and as
a means that increases participation of consumers in decision-making (Plain Language,
2013). People who use shared decision-making have favorable outcomes of health. Recall
and educative strategies have also been shown to improve effective interpersonal
communication. These strategies include requesting consumers to remember information
that they have received from a health practitioner to check their comprehension. These
types of approaches can involve the use of the ‘teach goal technique’, ‘teach-back’ and ‘ask-
tell-ask’ methods and many others in this category (Nilsen et al., 2006). A Study done in
Australia indicated that a good number of these strategies that are educative are mostly
effective with clients suffering from certain health conditions (Anderson, Allan & Finucane,
2001).They are also effective in clients who demonstrate improved management care,
understanding and recalling of health information given to them by the health care
providers. The Australian health care system should come up with effective strategies to
ensure that effective interpersonal communication is understood by all health care
providers. The overall benefit would be making sure that health information remains a
strategic resource in Australian health care system. Poor Integration of
Health Literacy into Education Research has proved that education plays
an integral role in promoting and maintaining quality health and the connections between
health outcomes and education have been known for a long time (RuID, 2013). Studies have
also indicated that education, general literacy, and health literacy are all interrelated in
many ways. The informal and formal education of an individual plays a significant role in
shaping their general literacy (Groene & RuID, 2011). It also helps in contributing to their
skills and knowledge in comprehending health systems and information and shaping their
capacity for decision-making taking appropriate actions their well being and health care.
Poor integration of health literacy into education contributes negatively to the provision of
quality health information. In Australia, there is a great need for coming up with effective
strategies that can be used to integrate health literacy into education (DeWalt et al., 2004).
This challengeof poor health literacy integration into education stimulated me to find the
relevant actions that can be used to aIDress the problem. I have hope that after aIDressing
this problem the Australian Health system policy makers would take this concern seriously
and act promptly to aIDress this problem once and for all.Many individuals ask themselves
whether there is the need of providing education and training to aIDress health literacy
problem. What they don’t know is that provision of education, and the necessary training is
crucial to any process of change (Groene & RuID, 2011). through providing education and
training to various groups of people. of adult education course to assist in teaching
consumers on the best method to use in identifying credible information on the internet.
Another group is the undergraduate students to help them in increasing their
understanding of effective communication strategies. A good example is the provision of
training to health practitioners on various techniques of communication like teach goal that
can be used for checking whether they have given useful information to consumers (RuID,

2013). The last group is health practitioners to help them in comprehending health literacy
and the significant role it plays in good health acre outcomes.Offering education and
training to consumers about health literacy and health is focused to build the capacity and
ability of the person in appraising, acting, applying and understanding the health
information. The knowledge and skills required in for reliable decision-making about health
care and well-being are affected from the time of early childhood (Kohn, Corrigan &
Donaldson, 2000). The early childhood is the period when small children are first taught
sun protection, healthy eating habits, importance of hygiene and various health preventive
measures. AIDitionally, during school period, children are equipped with numeracy skills
and general literacy and thicated information (DeWalt et al., 2004). Education concerning
the well being and general health care for individual clients can range from education
involving managing and treating certain health conditions to provision of information
concerning general measures for living a healthy life (RuID, 2013).Consumer education is
very vital in the provision of quality health provision. The Australian health care system
should look for effective ways of implementing these strategies.Health care providers need
the education and training so that they can understand the effective ways of giving health
information to the consumers (Institute of Medicine, 2004). The number of people who are
involved in the provision of health care services and the producing and utilization of health
information and this increases the likelihood of communication error occurring. It is very
significant that health practitioners understand the health literacy issue and how the
provision of inadequate health literacy can affect negatively the outcomes of health (Baker,
2006). They should also understand how their roles can affect how easy or difficult the
clients use and comprehend the health care. They should also strive to search for effective
strategies they utilize for ensuring that they provide services, advice and information that
easy to act on, comprehend and utilize. Studies have shown that there is increasing
awareness among health care providers that poor health literacy leads to poor health
outcomes. The process of training health practitioners in health literacy has led to improved
communication and counseling skills and more utilization of evidence-based strategies by
health practitioners in aIDressing health literacy. Interventions involved in training of
health practitioners about health literacy were linked to increased screening of cancer rates
and increased satisfaction ratings from the consumers. Offering education and training of
health workers has a positive impact in the quality of health care and health information
offered to the consumers.ConclusionResearch has shown that the provision of unclear,
unfocused and unusable health information to the consumers affects the Australian health
care system negatively. Health consumers require clear, focused and useable health
information to comprehend their diagnosis, prognosis and the likely health outcomes from
the various tests and treatment they receive from the health practitioners. They also need
the necessary knowledge to enable them in the management of their health conditions and
prevent further disease progression. Ineffective personal communication has been shown to
contribute to the provision of poor health information. Use of patient-centered approach in
interpersonal communication contributes to creation of stronger relationships and quality
of care offered to the consumers. Effective communication strategies must be adapted by
the Australian health care system to enhance the well being and general health of the

consumers. Poor integration of health literacy into education has affected the provision of
quality health information negatively. Research has shown that education play an integral
role in the promotion and maintaining of quality health among the consumers. Both the
health care providers and the consumers must receive relevant education and training to
understand and use health education. These three challenges must be aIDressed to ensure
that health information remains a strategic resource in the Australian health care
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