The evidence shows providing high-quality health information is beneficial. It has a positive impact on service utilisation and health costs, patients’ experience of healthcare and patients’ health behaviour and status.
Providing access to high-quality health information and support is crucial to unlocking what has been termed the ‘blockbuster drug’ of patient engagement. Patient engagement is vital to help people manage their health, make informed decisions about their healthcare, and mitigate financial pressure on the health service.
Evidence from the report points to the most effective ways of providing consumer health information and maximising its impacts, including information tailored to the individual which addresses health literacy needs and which is supported by health or information professionals.
The report concludes there are good business reasons to justify investment (time, money and training) in health information provision and support.
PIF calls on policy makers and commissioners to take action to make sure patient information is an integral part of their approach to providing high-quality, patient-centred care.