WP1
Map (d)HL research and practices in Europe and beyond
The core objective of this work package is to map the existing literature on (digital) health literacy across Europe and beyond to provide an assessment of the interconnection between health literacy and the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of the population. The mapping comprises research, management of health data, integration of healthcare and social services, and social innovation— leading to the identification of the main related stakeholders and best practices, while reviewing existing monitoring mechanisms and indicators for the assessment of health literacy levels across the target regions. To provide a comprehensive and detailed picture of the state of the art of (digital) health literacy, collected data are to be integrated in the existing European Health Literacy Atlas. Uncovered outcomes have the target aim of guiding policy makers and health practitioners in assessing (digital) health literacy levels to foster engagement and commitment in supporting concrete initiatives for the wellbeing of the population.
Task 1.1 Map (d)HL research
Inspired by co-creation methodology the mapping of existing literature has now been conducted as a participatory process with all 14 IDEAHL partners contributing at all stages. Furthermore, the findings have been qualified by our Network of Champions. The mapping has highlighted the importance of a shared EU strategy on dHL to assemble the work towards higher dHL in Europe. Thus, to develop evidence-based actions to improve dHL in the European population.
More research is needed to demonstrate best practices for improving dHL as the mapping indicates large diversity in dHL interventions and only few interventions have been systematically evaluated in relation to needed resources, key mechanisms in reaching the intended outcome, drivers, and barriers. Therefore, it is recommended that future interventions are evaluated with designs that are suitable for complex interventions, for example inspired by realistic evaluation or Intervention Mapping. Moreover, the choice of measurements for measuring dHL should be based on the context and the target group. The used tools should also be validated, translated and up to date.
Notably, it is highly recommended to focus on improving dHL in vulnerable groups with inadequate dHL. More research on the level of dHL is needed to determine meaningful target groups. Lastly, the mapping has underpinned the necessity of interventions across all socioecological levels to improve the chance of successful and sustainable outcomes.
More information on the results of the mapping can be found here [PDF D1.1].
WP2
Co-creation of the EU strategy to improve (d)HL
This work package aims to develop a comprehensive and inclusive EU Strategy to improve (digital) health literacy for the benefit of all citizens. The Strategy focuses on health promotion, disease prevention, treatment and selfcare— fostering healthier lifestyles, better health management and interaction with healthcare professionals across Europe. To maximize its impact, the Strategy considers geographic, social, and economic determinants of inequities in health literacy. In addition, to ensure the involvement and engagement of a wide variety of stakeholders, a detailed methodology complements the envisaged co-creation and co-design activities— involving high level experts in (digital) health literacy, worldwide. These activities guarantee the involvement of different organizations— and individual profiles— through workshops, role plays, and focus groups, applying innovative facilitation techniques. Furthermore, feedback on the Strategy’s monitoring and impact evaluation is to be gathered thanks to a worldwide panel of selected experts. The final version of the EU Strategy— incorporating all inputs collected throughout the co-creation process— includes a monitoring and impact evaluation scheme to monitor its implementation and impact on the physical, mental, and social components of health for the well-being of all citizens.
IDEAHL Social media campaign has kicked off!
The IDEAHL Consortium has launched the project social media campaign!
The general public as well as targeted organisations will be informed on (d)HL benefits, opportunities and challenges, on the IDEAHL co-creation activities and the development of the (d)HL EU Strategy. The social media campaign is composed of several actions to be jointly implemented by the Consortium: calendar of posts; engagement of social influencers; EU survey; and small online co-creation exercises.
Engagement with social influencers to raise awareness of (d)HL is a crucial activity planned under this Task: IDEAHL will leverage groups of social influencers at European and national levels to disseminate the project and re-share specific content to help spread the word on main activities and Strategy co-design.
An EU survey was launched through the campaign between May and June 2023 to get direct feedback from practitioners and different stakeholders on the initial version of the Strategy, the main output of the IDEAHL project.
Finally, small online collaborative co-creation exercises will be promoted with the project partners and the Advisory Board members and any other relevant experts to contribute to this important step!
Get to know more and help us spread the word: visit our social media channels!
WP3
Implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the (d)HL EU Strategy
In this work package, project partners are expected to pilot key targeted actions and initiatives foreseen in the EU Strategy at country level— testing and fine-tuning selected models of (digital) health literacy initiatives. Anticipated activities include, but are not limited to, self-care management training, integration of health literacy initiatives among cities and regions, and interoperability of healthcare systems. These initiatives are to be implemented in multiple contexts— urban and rural areas, social care services, health services— while addressing diverse population groups, specifically including disadvantaged and hard to reach people. In short, this work package aims to support beneficiaries of care in navigating healthcare systems and in interacting with the healthcare workforce— leading to better health management overall, while testing the capacity of the selected models/actions to empower citizens. Furthermore, an assessment of health literacy levels across the EU is to be developed thanks to a common health literacy monitoring model, with dedicated indicators to go beyond the more common approaches for (digital) health literacy monitoring and measurement.
WP4
Gender, cultural and socio-economic inclusivity and ethics aspects
Equality and digital accessibility are fundamental aspects for IDEAHL’s targeted population groups, especially for the more vulnerable segments of the population with increased risk of digital exclusion. Therefore, this work package aims to address and define the main dimensions and related approaches concerning inclusion aspects for the co-creation and the development and implementation of the EU Strategy that policy makers, educational organizations, health and social care managers should account for. Furthermore, activities will address the challenges arising from new information channels, such as ensuring quality and reliability of platforms and information— including misleading or false information— and their potential risks for people’s safety. In this regard, the work package also aims to uncover health economics approaches that had a positive impact on the social gradients of EU countries by fostering access to and understanding of health information. In line with the work package’s set objectives, ethics aspects to be considered in the development and testing phase of the EU Strategy concern data quality, patient-professional relationships, equitable access to healthcare services— as well as other enquiries regarding the utilization of digital technologies in the healthcare setting— together with privacy issues, health data use, and data protection.
WP5
Dissemination & Exploitation
Specific media actions are expected throughout a wide online dissemination strategy involving multiple communication channels, such as social media, webinars, newsletters, and publications. Thanks to the development of a dissemination strategy as a “live” document to be periodically updated, the work package also aims to assess the project dissemination performance— ensuring that the project’s activities remain in line with their expected impact at regional, national, and EU level. Furthermore, as collaboration with relevant national and EU initiatives is essential for the IDEAHL project, the organization of multiple events in each project country is expected to further foster the engagement of policy makers, regions’ representatives, patient associations, and other stakeholders. In addition, to sustain the Strategy’s actions beyond the project funding period, an exploitation and sustainability plan is to be developed to commit project partners to long-term cooperation.