Ma santé éclairée: Empowering patients through knowledge
Two out of three adults in Quebec have trouble understanding health information—which is concerning, since strong health literacy is essential for navigating healthcare with greater understanding and making informed decisions about your health. The Direction de l’enseignement et de l’Académie CHUM, knowing that a lack of health literacy can exacerbate social disparities, has created Ma santé éclairée [My health, made clear]. This innovative project aims to give patients greater access to clear, credible medical information. Ma santé éclairée is generously supported by the Fondation J.A. DeSève and The Molson Foundation, two long-standing partners of the CHUM who have joined forces to make this initiative possible.
The ABCs of health literacy
Health literacy isn’t just about being able to read medical information. It’s also about knowing how to ask the right questions, communicate your needs and actively engage with healthcare professionals about your well-being and health. How much someone is able to do this can vary depending on a number of factors, such as their fluency in the language, reading skills, cultural differences and level of healthcare-related anxiety.
Making health clear in plain language
Ma santé éclairée is built on two key pillars:
- Supporting patients: The CHUM library gives patients access to credible, easy-to-understand resources to help them find the health information they need.
- Training staff: The Direction de l’enseignement et de l’Académie will provide health literacy training to help CHUM staff communicate scientific information in a way that is accessible to the general public. They will learn how to communicate better and more clearly, which will help them build stronger relationships with patients and make sure everyone is on the same page.
By promoting health literacy, the CHUM aims to help patients and their loved ones better navigate the healthcare system, work effectively with providers and play an active role in their care—especially when preparing for tests or treatments.
The donors driving health literacy forward
Given their shared values and commitment to causes including education, health and the arts, it made perfect sense that the Fondation J.A. DeSève and The Molson Foundation would come together in support of health literacy.
“We’re proud to be part of an initiative that makes understanding your health accessible to as many people as possible. Being able to navigate the patient experience is key, and if our support can help guide the way, then we’ve achieved our goal.”
“Supporting Ma santé éclairée is a way for us to help people cope more effectively with illness. We’re honoured to be part of an initiative that empowers patients through knowledge.”
