Health literacy and patient information: Developing the methodology for a national evidence-based health website

Abstract

Objective To define evidence-based health information and the conceptual framework and methodology of Germany’s national health information website. Methods Description of the political and methodological processes in the development of the website Gesundheitsinformation.de/Informed Health Online developed by the Institute of Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG). Results Autonomy, empowerment and health literacy were useful theoretical concepts to guide the definition of evidence-based health information and the objectives and methodologies used for developing this website. These choices had direct practical consequences for the patient information. Conclusion Evidence-based patient information involves the use of evidence and systematic methodologies in several facets of information provision. These include a process of information development that minimises bias, evidence as the information basis for the content, and the use of evidence-based communication techniques. To be empowering and support patient autonomy, information should be patient-centred and non-directive. Practice implications Health websites are communication interventions which can have very different objectives and methods. A conceptual framework can help guide these choices and provide a basis for subsequent evaluation.