Trusted health information and end of life care resources are essential

A blog post written by Jennifer Brittain, Partner Manager, Healthdirect Australia

Healthdirect Australia collaborates with health organisations to support the needs of diverse Australians, including those with palliative care needs or those caring for people at the end of their life.

Through the healthdirect website’s Information Partnerships and services, we direct consumers to Australian evidence-based resources when they are looking for help – which includes those who care for the most vulnerable at the end of their lives.

Access to palliative care information and resources can improve the overall experience for the person, their carer, and their extended loved ones. All Australians deserve access to the best end of life care available.

Healthdirect Australia’s community of specialist health organisations supports better care

Our Information Partnership network includes organisations such as CareSearch, CarerHelp, ELDAC, palliAGED, Palliative Care Australia, Carers Australia and the state-based Carers organisations, as well as disease-based peak body organisations, hospitals, our Government Department of Health shareholders, and research institutes.

The CareSearch website provides information about palliative care to enable and equip people to have the best quality of life possible while managing their symptoms.

A dedicated healthdirect page on palliative care provides an overview of the type of care provided, who it is suitable for, options and links to palliative care services. Intended as a first stop for general information, the page also provides links to more specialist information from our relevant Information Partners for those seeking more information.

The healthdirect website helps people understand their health

The Healthdirect website receives over 50 million visits a year.  It provides people with easy access to trusted information, advice and services, supporting them to manage their personal health and wellbeing, regardless of where or when they need it.

Healthdirect services play an important role in the health system and are designed to:

• Provide equal access to quality healthcare for all Australians
• Provide trusted health information and advice, which aligns with Australian
  health guidelines
• Connect to the health system and care services across Australia
• Operate around the clock across many channels, including an app
• Improve health literacy to enable people to make informed decisions about
  their health
• Help people take the next steps towards better health
• Respond to public health emergencies.

The healthdirect website offers audio-readers across all health information pages, multilanguage videos on how to navigate the Australian health system, as well as useful infographics and captioned video content.

We have also developed self-help tools, such as a question builder, symptom checker and risk checker, that help people better understand their health concern and know what to do next. All online content is printer friendly and designed for mobile use, with pages structured for ease of use.

Together, with our Information Partners such as CareSearch, we bring expert information to health consumers and are part of a connected community to improve access to Australian health information and services.

The CareSearch resources can be found on the healthdirect website and as a referral resource for nurses on the healthdirect helpline. This ensures they are available 24-hours a day for those in need.

Jennifer Brittain, Partner Manager at Healthdirect Australia