The School of Medicine’s HealthLit4Kids and Clinical Redesign programs have been recognised nationally, securing Bond University Sustainable Healthcare Awards.
The HealthLit4Kids program led by Drs Rosie Nash and Shandell Elmer picked up the Bond University Health Literacy Award.
The program which piloted in 2017 at Blackmans Bay Primary School and has since been successfully introduced in four other Tasmanian Schools (supported by Tasmanian Community Funds), is aimed at helping schools use all areas of the curriculum to improve the health literacy (and ultimately the health) of children and their families.
Dr Nash said the team was thrilled to have national recognition for the program which had the ambitious target of being available in 80% of Tasmanian Schools by 2025 and eventually Australia-wide.
“This award recognises that we are doing real research with our school communities to make a difference to their health literacy, health and educational outcomes - which is capable of addressing social inequity,” Dr Nash said.
“It also highlights that through empowering individuals and whole school communities with the asset of health literacy, we may be able to reduce the burden on our already stretched health resources and services.”
The School of Medicine’s Graduate Certificate (Clinical Redesign) program was also recognised at the awards as winner of the National Education Award for Sustainable Healthcare.
Award recipients and education leads on the project were Bronwyn Paton (ACI), Dr Pieter Van Dam, Dr Phoebe Griffin and Amelia Giles (ACI).
The program received high praise on the evening with panel members particularly impressed by the work integrated nature of the program and unique partnership between the NSW Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) and the University of Tasmania.
Award recipients and education leads on the project were Bronwyn Paton (ACI), Dr Pieter Van Dam, Dr Phoebe Griffin and Amelia Giles (ACI).
“The award is a great recognition of the work undertaken by the School of Medicine’s Health Systems Improvement team and the Agency for Clinical Innovation at NSW Health to deliver a postgraduate clinical redesign program that provides tangible benefits to students as well as patients and health care organisations,” Clinical Redesign Coordinator Dr Pieter Van Dam said.
“The award also recognises the importance of work integrated learning, a pedagogy that provides students with the confidence and skills to apply new knowledge to improve healthcare delivery.”
The Bond University Sustainable Healthcare Awards were developed with the purpose of promoting and raising awareness of best practice in high value health care and recognising the achievements of those in the community who are advocates and pioneers in this area.
Image: Dr Shandell Elmer from the HealthLit4Kids program
