Development of a formative video as a tool to improve health literacy: an intervention project

Authors

  • Tiago Fernandes Flores Médico Interno de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Gualtar, ACeS Cávado I. Braga, Portugal.
  • António Vilela Médico Interno de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Terras do Ave, ACeS Ave-Famalicão. Delães, Portugal. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3545-6548
  • Bárbara Martins Médica Interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF São Lourenço, ACeS Cávado I. Braga, Portugal.
  • Mariana Abreu Gonçalves Médica Interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Antonina, ACeS Ave-Famalicão. Requião, Portugal.
  • João Mário Pinto Médico Interno de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF Joane, ACeS Ave-Famalicão. Joane, Portugal. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-4225-5679
  • Ana Isabel Médica Interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF 7 Fontes, ACeS Cávado I. Braga, Portugal. https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1179-2421
  • Joana Gonçalves Luís Médica Interna de Medicina Geral e Familiar. USF São Lourenço, ACeS Cávado I. Braga, Portugal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v40i1.13773

Keywords:

Medical literacy, Multimedia, Primary healthcare, General practice, Family medicine

Abstract

Introduction: Promoting health literacy is essential for patients to make informed healthcare decisions, ensuring more efficient resource utilization and contributing to long-term sustainability. Objectives: Enhance health literacy among patients in six health units in Northern Portugal, focusing on the organization and structure of primary healthcare services (PHC) and the medical specialty of general practice/family medicine (GPFM). Methods: An observational, prospective cohort study was conducted. Questionnaires in Google® Docs format were administered to patients aged 18 and older who met the inclusion criteria, both before and one month after the intervention. The intervention involved watching an educational video created by the authors about PHC's organization, resources, and GPFM specialty. Results: The pre-intervention questionnaire received responses from 274 patients, with 165 of them viewing the educational video and 113 completing the post-intervention questionnaire. Eighty-eight participants engaged in all phases of the project and were considered eligible for result analysis. After the intervention, there was a statistically significant improvement in the overall questionnaire score, with the percentage of correct answers increasing from 66.7% to 72.7% (p=0.004; CI 95%). Correct answer rates also improved across most of the questions. Discussion and Conclusion: Health literacy empowers individuals to make informed health choices, resulting in economic and social benefits. This project led to the creation of a multimedia tool that can enhance the understanding of Portuguese patients regarding PHC, with potential for replication in other regions of the country.

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References

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Published

2024-02-28

How to Cite

Development of a formative video as a tool to improve health literacy: an intervention project. (2024). Portuguese Journal of Family Medicine and General Practice, 40(1), 31-9. https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v40i1.13773

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