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Education

A paramedic approach to empowering children and their guardians via health literacy

02 March 2025

Research

02 March 2025

Volume 17 · Issue 3

ISSN (print): 1759-1376

ISSN (online): 2041-9457

A person holds a pill bottle in one hand and an anatomical heart model in the other, symbolizing heart health and medication use.

Abstract

During a pilot PhD mixed-methods study on the feasibility of a Health Literacy Mediator (HLM) role for children's healthcare and education in England, the importance of including paramedics in health literacy research was highlighted. Health literacy is crucial for accessing and navigating healthcare systems, effective communication, understanding health information, empowerment, and reducing health inequalities. Despite their central role in the community, it remains unclear how well paramedics in England understand health literacy. As healthcare evolves, particularly in public health, paramedics are uniquely positioned to promote health literacy among children and their families. This article aims to raise awareness of health literacy in paramedic practice and highlight its importance for patient care and professional development.

During a pilot for a PhD mixed-methods study on the feasibility of a Health Literacy Mediator (HLM) role for children's healthcare and education in England, paramedics voluntarily undertook two short online health literacy questionnaires. This small cohort revealed that, while most paramedics surveyed were familiar with the term ‘health literacy,’ they had a limited understanding of the subject. This raises a crucial question: How can paramedics contribute to the promotion of health literacy, and what knowledge, skills, and understanding do they need to improve patient outcomes? This article underscores the importance of health literacy in paramedic practice, aiming to raise awareness and provide insights into its potential to improve patient outcomes.

Health literacy has become a health priority in the 21st century as it is vital for people's ability to manage health (Sørensen et al, 2012). The definition of health literacy can vary, and as it emerges as an independent field of study, its understanding and interpretation continue to evolve. An earlier and most widely cited definition is (Nutbeam, 1998: 349):

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