Making it Easy: Health Literacy Outcomes to improve social care Wednesday 26th Oct. Grassmarket Centre The University of Strathclyde iSchool is the largest and leading Information Behaviour research group in the UK, investigating arising socio-techno phenomena and evolving human information behaviours. We are working collaboratively with a number of public and third sector partners, including on a major information poverty study working with young mothers from areas of multiple deprivation that promises to assist health information providers with evidence-based interventions amongst marginalised and disadvantaged groups more broadly. Health Information Seeking Behaviours Description What will be discussed in the session Health information informs, guides, and empowers; but persistent barriers to access and use are societally divisive and as yet not fully understood, particularly amongst marginalised and disadvantaged groups. There are complex access barriers and internalised behavioural barriers to consider, the former influenced by digital divide and health literacy issues, the latter by social structures and norms. Key theories and concepts which help us to better understand health related information seeking behaviours. Health information seeking preferences, both physical and digital. Barriers and challenges to the effective provision of health information. Identifying and understanding health information needs in the situational context. Key points of interest Further information 1. Human information behaviour research recognises that: There are complex access and internalised behavioural factors to consider One ‘size’ information provision does not fit all 2. Human information behaviour research can inform tailored policy and practice: What information to provide, to Whom, and How? Name: Dr Steven Buchanan Role: Head of Information Science Research Organisation: University of Strathclyde Contact Details: steven.buchanan@strath.ac.uk 1