Edition 3
February 2025 has been a dynamic and inspiring month at Health Literacy Now! From in-depth research and clinical content writing to reviewing resources, shaping web content, and planning focus groups, we’ve been working hard to advance health literacy.
Along the way, we’ve had the privilege of connecting with incredible individuals and organisations dedicated to ensuring consumers receive clear, accessible, and meaningful health information.
No matter your role—whether you’re advocating for change, developing high-quality resources, making materials more accessible, or providing hands-on care—your work is essential. Together, we are shaping a future where health literacy is the norm, not the exception.
We’re proud to be part of this movement alongside passionate professionals and organisations committed to making health information work for everyone. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Bridging the Health Literacy Gap in Regional, Rural, and Remote Australia
While we've made significant strides in health literacy, it's crucial to address the disparities in healthcare access and outcomes faced by Australians in regional, rural, and remote (RRR) areas. Health literacy is not just about understanding health information; it's also about having equitable access to quality healthcare information and services and having the skills and ability to utilise these in a way that benefits health outcomes.
Stark Disparities in Health Outcomes
Australians residing in RRR areas experience notable health challenges compared to people in larger cities:
- Higher Mortality Rates: The all-cause death rate per 100,000 people in males is 569 in major cities, increasing to 925 in very remote areas. For females, the rate rises from 409 in major cities to 644 in very remote areas.
- Increased Hospitalisations and Injuries: Residents in rural and remote regions have higher rates of hospitalisations and injuries, often due to limited access to primary healthcare services.
- Lifestyle-Related Health Risks: Daily smoking rates escalate with remoteness, from 9.8% in major cities to 19.2% in remote areas, contributing to higher incidences of chronic diseases.
- Premature birth: The rate of premature births in very remote areas of Australia (14%) is almost double the rate of premature births in large cities (7.9%).
References:
· National Rural Health Alliance’s (NRHA) Rural Health in Australia Snapshot 2023 .
· Rural and remote health - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Organisations Championing Improved Healthcare Access
Several dedicated organisations are working tirelessly to enhance health information dissemination, healthcare services, and clinical trial accessibility in RRR areas:
- Rural Aid: Provides critical support to farmers affected by natural disasters through financial assistance, water, fodder, and counselling services.
- National Rural Health Alliance (NRHA): As a collective of around 52 national organisations, NRHA is committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the 7 million people in rural and remote Australia.
- Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM): Focused on training and supporting medical professionals in rural areas, ACRRM aims to ensure that communities have access to skilled healthcare providers.
- Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS): Providing emergency and primary healthcare services, RFDS reaches those living in Australia's most remote regions, ensuring timely medical assistance.
- CRANAplus: This organisation offers education, support, and professional development for remote health workers, enhancing the quality of healthcare delivery in isolated communities.
- Rural Health Workforce Australia (RHWA): RHWA focuses on building a sustainable health workforce by recruiting and retaining healthcare professionals in rural and remote areas.
- Rural and remote first aid: Providing a completely portable first-aid training service, tailored to the unique needs of those in rural and remote areas.
By supporting and collaborating with these organisations, we can work towards bridging the health literacy and access gap, ensuring all Australians receive the quality healthcare they deserve, regardless of their location.
Supporting Patients Who Travel for Healthcare & Advocating for Change
Accessing healthcare in regional, rural, and remote (RRR) areas often means travelling long distances for specialist care, treatment, or clinical trials. This adds financial, emotional, and logistical burdens on patients and their families—barriers that should not exist in a country as prosperous as Australia.
How Health Professionals Can Help
As Health professionals you play a critical role in easing this burden. Simple yet impactful actions include:
· Ensuring patients and their families are aware of travel and accommodation assistance programs, such as the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), Patient Assisted Travel schemes (PATS) or Patient Travel Subsidy Schemes (PTSS).
· Providing clear and compassionate communication about appointments, expected costs, and available support services.
· Connecting patients with telehealth services where appropriate, reducing unnecessary travel.
· Collaborating with local community groups and advocacy organisations to support families navigating the healthcare system.
A Call for Advocacy & Recognition
The challenges of healthcare access in RRR areas are not just health issues—they are national issues. These communities are home to the primary producers, miners, emergency service workers, and countless others who keep Australia thriving. The people in these regions contribute significantly to our economy, food security, and industries, yet they often face worse health outcomes and reduced access to essential services.
Now is the time to advocate for fairer policies, better infrastructure, and stronger support networks for RRR Australians. Every patient, regardless of postcode, deserves equitable access to quality healthcare.
Partner with Health Literacy Now
At Health Literacy Now, we believe in breaking down barriers and ensuring that every individual and organisation can navigate the healthcare system with confidence. Together, we can elevate health literacy in every setting—ensuring patients, families, and professionals alike are empowered with the knowledge and access they need.
If your organisation is ready to enhance its health literacy, patient engagement, or accessibility strategies, we’d love to connect! Let’s work together to create a health system that works for all Australians—wherever they live.
Get in touch today and be part of the change!