Work in Progress: A Report on Health Literacy in Denmark and the Netherlands

Stud Health Technol Inform. 2020 Jun 25:269:202-211. doi: 10.3233/SHTI200033.

Abstract

This report focuses on the development of health literacy in two European countries, Denmark and the Netherlands. Denmark is part of the Nordic region, while the Netherlands is situated in the Western part of Europe. The report includes examples on Danish and Dutch health literacy research and lessons learned from practice. In Denmark, supported by health literacy research, health literacy developments have been advanced within some areas of practice. Health literacy advocacy initiatives promoted by the Danish Health Literacy Network and the Danish Society of Public Health provide promising perspectives for the future of health literacy in Denmark. In the Netherlands, the Dutch Health Literacy Alliance, researchers, and other relevant stakeholders are actively integrating health literacy in research and practice - both clinically and in communities. The vibrant Dutch health literacy community advocates for further national health literacy efforts to achieve governmental support.

Keywords: Denmark; Health literacy; the Netherlands.

MeSH terms

  • Denmark
  • Health Literacy*
  • Netherlands
  • Public Health