Health literacy in Aotearoa New Zealand remains a critical challenge
Article from NZ Anaesthesia Issue 70, December 2024.
Read the full magazine here.
Written by NZSA President, Dr Morgan Edwards
Low health literacy in New Zealand is a significant public health concern, affecting a considerable portion of the population.
Studies indicate that 30-50% of New Zealand adults have inadequate health literacy skills, making it challenging for them to navigate the healthcare system, understand medical information, and make informed health decisions.
Research also shows disparities in health literacy levels among different demographic groups, particularly among Māori and Pacific peoples, who often experience higher rates of chronic illnesses and poorer health outcomes.
Health literacy is shaped by factors like socioeconomic status, education, and access to health information. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed these disparities, as those with low health literacy faced challenges in understanding public health messages. Improving health literacy is essential for better health outcomes and equitable healthcare access in New Zealand.
Digital tools using plain language can improve health literacy by delivering information that fits individuals’ needs and contexts.
These tools allow people to access vital health information at their own pace and in a comfortable environment, reducing reliance on potentially stressful in-person consultations. Research shows that individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds engage with digital tools as much as others, making them an effective way to reach underserved populations. Accessible, user-friendly online resources empower individuals to manage their health and ease the stress of medical appointments.
Health literacy is vital during the perioperative journey, helping patients make informed decisions about surgery. It improves outcomes, reduces complications, shortens hospital stays, and enhances satisfaction. When patients understand their options and risks, they can make choices aligned with their needs, leading to a more positive and empowering experience. Promoting health literacy in perioperative care is key to better outcomes and supporting patients’ right to informed, involved care.
New patient education resources are now available from the NZSA’s website.
The NZSA has just published a suite of free digital patient informational resources that can be accessed by anyone through the NZSA website. Check them out here.
These resources aim to work towards improving health literacy in Aotearoa by helping patients and their whānau better understand anaesthesia. As well as assist anaesthetists, healthcare providers and hospitals in providing information that’s easy to understand, access, and share.
Written in collaboration with anaesthetists in Aotearoa these initial resources are the start of what will continue to grow and be an ongoing offering from the NZSA.
As well as growing the topics covered more translated versions of the materials (like the te reo Māori and simplified Chinese versions available on the Day of surgery page) will also be provided to broaden accessibility.
These resources are available to anyone. Please share them with your colleagues, patients and workplace!
