Health literacy: a study of internet-based information on advance directives

Stuart, P. (2017) Health literacy: a study of internet-based information on advance directives. Nursing Management. 24(8), pp. 27-33.

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Item Type:	Article
Abstract:	Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality and value of web-based information on advance directives. Internet-based information on advance directives was selected because, if it is inaccurate or difficult to understand, patients risk making decisions about their care that may not be followed in practice. Method: Two validated health information evaluation tools, the Suitability Assessment of Materials and DISCERN, and a focus group were used to assess credibility, user orientation and effectiveness. Findings: Only one of the 34 internet-based information items on advance directives reviewed fulfilled the study criteria and 30% of the sites were classed as unreadable. In terms of learning and informing, 79% of the sites were considered unsuitable. Conclusion: Using health literacy tools to evaluate internet-based health information highlights that often it is not at a functional literacy level and neither informs nor empowers users to make independent and valid healthcare decisions.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Advance directives, DISCERN tool, end of life decision making, evaluation research, health literacy, nursing management, Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM) tool
Subjects:	R Medicine > RT Nursing R Medicine > R Medicine (General) > R858 Computer applications to medicine. Medical informatics
Creators:	Stuart, Peter
Corporate Creators:	None
Publisher:	RCN Publishing
Faculties, Divisions and Institutes:	University Faculties, Divisions and Research Centres - OLD > Faculty of Health & Society > Nursing Faculties > Faculty of Health & Society > Nursing
Date:	28 November 2017
Date Type:	Publication
Page Range:	pp. 27-33
Journal or Publication Title:	Nursing Management
Volume:	24
Number:	8
Language:	English
DOI:	https://doi.org/10.7748/nm.2017.e1675
Status:	Published / Disseminated
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://nectar.northampton.ac.uk/id/eprint/10109

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