Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador

Health Visit Card: Community Center Alliance

Project Start/End Dates: October 2008 – June 2009

Initial Project Description: The Community Center Alliance in St. John’s designed the Health Visit Card project as a means of helping adults understand their rights as a patient. The Health Card outlines questions individuals can ask their doctor during a visit and contains areas for personal information, emergency and medication information. The card is to be given to individuals taking part in existing programs at five community centers in St. John’s (Buckmaster’s Circle, Froude Avenue, MacMorran, Rabbittown, and Virginia Park) and can also be distributed through the onsite Public Health Nurse. The aim of this project is to share this health literacy tool with individuals in the community so that they might benefit from it. Goals of this program include:

  • Increased health literacy capacity for individuals who use the card
  • Increased awareness of patient rights
  • Increased wellness as a result of improved communication with health professionals related to using the card
  • Increased collaboration with other groups

Project Outcomes: This program is to be reviewed in December 2009 for effectiveness. Upon completion, outcomes will be measured by:

  • Number of cards distributed (where and how),
  • Individuals actually using cards during health visits (via feedback from healthcare workers),
  • Increased health literacy capacity for individuals who use the card (using feedback forms and surveys), and
  • Other organizations deciding to utilize the tool for their target population or client group.

The program is ongoing at present and Health Visit Cards will continue to be distributed after the review date if found to be effectual.

Developed and hosted by NALD in collaboration with Literacy Newfoundland and Labrador.

This project is funded by the Government of Canada’s Office of Literacy and Essential Skills.