Effective communication is a critical component of health system reform, as it operates on many interrelated levels. In the context of the TTHSI, the objectives of the health communication activities would be to:
- create a culture around healthcare and health sciences in Trinidad and Tobago,
- empower health care consumers to seek care, demand quality and take action to improve their own health and that of their families and communities
- generate public support for health reforms, and
- educate stakeholders on the TTHSI and related health sector interventions
Under this component of the programme, technical support will be available to develop local expertise in the areas of institutional communication, health programme communication, and capacity building on a phased basis.
Institutional Communication activities will outline the overarching strategies for the TTHSI and related interventions, allowing for the engagement of Regional Health Authorities, communities, health care practitioners, the media and the public in a proactive manner. In the area of Health Communication, two aspects will be considered. Service Delivery and Health Promotion Support will include both demand generation and patient education activities requiring research into the needs and expectations of the target audiences, and encouraging the population to seek care as early as possible, while Prevention activities will be designed to encourage changes in behaviour to stem the incidence of high-burden diseases in the population (e.g., diabetes and heart disease). Capacity building activities, including formal training and "learning by doing" activities will enable TTHSI staff and partners to better serve their key constituents, including:
- Training and technical assistance in managing and implementing the institutional communication strategy; training key stakeholders in media relations and media skills; training journalists to provide high quality health reporting
- Training for health care providers and auxiliary staff throughout the health care system in interpersonal counselling and communication to provide encouragement and support for maintenance behaviours for those with chronic conditions; reinforce messages and improve the patient experience
- Training in health communication strategy development and implementation for project staff and key counterparts
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