The goal of the CHUM’s transformative library project is to improve health literacy—people’s ability to research, understand and use information about their health in order to make informed decisions. This innovative project will give patients access to credible sources and the support of medical librarians to help them personally manage their health.
The project will also train healthcare professionals such as physicians and nurses in communicating scientific knowledge to the public and tailoring their language for patients. When healthcare professionals use plain language and images and confirm patients understand what they need to know, they improve communication, reduce stress and increase treatment adherence.
This innovative program isn’t just for the CHUM’s patients. Ultimately, it will help everyone in Quebec. A better understanding of healthcare will reduce complications, cut down on hospital stay times and optimize our healthcare system’s resources.