New research to inform older Australian’s health decisions

31 March 2016

NICM's Professor Caroline Smith will be drawing on her previous small scale study that identified knowledge gaps and skills amongst older people when understanding different information sources and evidence available regarding complementary medicine for her new health literacy study supported by IRT Foundation.

"With 58 per cent of people aged over 65 years turning to complementary medicines to maintain their health, manage their ill health, improve their quality of life, and supplement their conventional healthcare plan, health literacy and education is crucial when making informed and appropriate self-care decisions and better use of complementary medicines," said Professor Smith.

"My team and I are grateful for IRT Foundation's support and look forward to sharing our findings with the Australian public," she said.

The study will take between 12 and 18 months to complete.