Report on Focus Groups
As part of the E-HEALth Literacy project, the current context and use of e-health sevices by professionals, insurances and the public were explored by conducting focus groups in Greece, Germany, Lithuania, Slovenia and Switzerland. The focus groups were aimed at receiving insights from health policy experts, representatives of the competent ministry, application developers, non-governmental organizations active in the field of e-health, health workers, health insurance representatives, developers and providers of e-health services as well as users of these services. The common results of the national focus groups are summarized in “The Report on Focus Groups” and can be downloaded here.
Report: Our Need for E-Health Guides
During the desk research and focus groups, the project partners realized that the need of a specific role that is needed in society in order to develop and promote the necessary skills regarding e-health and that is the role of the e-health guide. In the report, the partners describe the steps and arguments to come to this conclusion. The report is translated into the partner languages and available in English.
E-Health Guides: Module 1
Module 1 – Skills and competences to facilitate the usage of e-Health is about getting acquainted with the HEAL project, the Training Kit and the concept of e-health in general. It also includes the main theories and core principles of adult learning and how to be able to present the acquired knowledge to the beneficiaries. By studying the prepared materials the multiplier can get an overview of what is the Training Kit about, what the learning outcomes are and how to prepare for their onw training activity.
E-Health Guides: Module 2
Module 2 – Datafication, data privacy and digital health records covers the most relevant topics related to data security and privacy. It teaches individuals to understand how their health and personal data is used, how they interact with data and what GDPR means in the context of health. It also introduces national health record platforms where both citizens and healthcare professionals can access to medical records in one place.
E-Health Guides: Module 3
Module 3 – Searching and selecting health information is about learning how to conduct advanced search for health-related information by using Google services and products such as Lens, Search, etc. The materials also include simple ways and practices of how to distinguish safe and reliable health information on the Internet. Finally, the module highlights a big new frontier for healthcare – social media and provides information about the benefits and risks associated with social media platforms.
E-Health Guides: Module 4
Module 4 – Introduction to e-Health apps and services is about health and lifestyle apps and wearables. The content includes examples of different health-related mobile apps and wearables, explaining how they work, what their benefits are, how data is collected by commercial providers through apps and how to use them safely. This module also introduces different online pharmacy websites and lists the benefits for the patient.
E-Health Guides: Module 5
Module 5 – Communication and connection with a health professional provides information about Telemedicine and how it is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare. This module also includes topics such as the possibilities of making appointments online as well as the function and use of chatbots, electronic cross-border online health services, significance of technologies in everyday healthcare practice.
Guidelines on How to Qualify E-Health Guides
The guide provides useful information to activate and support volunteers and staff interested in promoting the digital health of people in their local communities. The guide also aims to share experiences, insights and stories from piloting the HEAL Training Kit and provide recommendations on how to adapt the training kit to different learning scenarios and environments.
Recommendations for Further Actions
The transfer of the concept of digital health guides and the training kit to other areas and countries must be accompanied by the right conditions. The project therefore provides recommendations for stakeholders at all levels to support the process and pave the way.
Reporting
Soon you will find here reporting.