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By knowing how information producers
see health literacy and where the gaps in
knowledge are, what resources already exist,
and what information producers want and
need, we can begin to develop services and
tools that will support information producers.
The survey results provide a baseline from
which to measure improvement in practice.
They also provide evidence of need.
The survey was initially developed by Sarah
Smith, PiF Operations Director and Annie
Gilbert, Researcher, from MSD. It was then
reviewed and commented on by four
expert reviewers and amendments made in
accordance with their feedback.
The final survey was opened in January 2013.
A wide range of organisations and individuals
were contacted by email with an electronic
link to the survey. News items were also
posted in relevant email newsletters and
communications. Details of the survey were
posted on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
Those that received information about the
survey included:
• Patient Information Forum members and
contacts
• Information Standard members and contacts
• National Voices members and contacts
• Health Literacy UK Group
• Association of Healthcare Communicators
and Marketing
• NHS Networks
• NHS Confederation members and contacts
• Patient Experience Network
These organisations were encouraged to
send the survey details to their partners
and networks. In addition, 20 of the top UK
information producers were individually
contacted and asked to complete the survey.
These included NHS Choices, NHS inform, NHS
Direct Wales, Bupa, patient.co.uk, Macmillan
Cancer Support, British Heart Foundation and
Healthtalkonline.
The survey was open for six weeks. Microsoft
Excel and Survey Monkey’s beta analysis tools
were used to analyse the results and free field
responses.
Method
