The first cohort of pilot initiatives to increase digital health literacy in communities across England is now complete.

Pilot projects received funding in two cohorts to try out different approaches to improving health and digital literacy in a collaboration between CILIP, national NHS Knowledge and Library Services team (at NHS England, formerly Health Education England), Libraries Connected and Arts Council England.

As part of the project, CILIP connected librarians and information professionals with NHS professionals to deliver an innovative range of programmes, including:

• Working with 16-25-year-olds in Shropshire to create resource kits and using social media as a tool for raising digital health literacy levels.
• A new role for an additional librarian to extend digital health hubs and develop digital champions in Leeds on a digital platform.
• Increased outreach in Haverhill to key groups with enhanced offer in the town library.

Health information literacy is an area where librarians, from all sectors, whether medical, public or academic, are in a strong position to support.

In England, 43% of adults aged 16-65 have difficulties using and accessing health information that uses words, and when numbers are included, this increases to 61% adults struggling.

When patients improve their digital health literacy they are able access to clear, current, accurate, and understandable consumer health information.

High quality health information enables people to make informed decisions and follow their treatment regimens more effectively and safely, which results in a reduction in health inequalities.

Find out more on the pilot projects and details of the partnership here.