Access to Health Information: Challenges and Issues for Quality Universal Health Coverage

Abstract

The right to health information plays an important role in ensuring quality in the era of universal health coverage. The purpose of this study was to clarify the importance of disseminating health information to achieve quality universal health coverage and to propose best practices for promoting and protecting this right.

This study is based on a review of the available literature to identify initiatives and actions implemented by some international experiences to promote the right to health information. The results were objectively analyzed to draw conclusions on best practices.

The results show that many initiatives and actions implemented to promote the right to information can be classified into three main categories: i) The adoption of legal texts on access to information, which oblige public and private actors to make available information useful to the public, ii) The promotion of transparency, allowing the publication of information on the activities, decisions, and procedures of the actors involved, iii) Awareness and education through the media, to help citizens develop skills that enable them to be essential actors in decision-making in public and individual health.

This work has shown that the right to health information is a fundamental right that must be protected and promoted. Information is essential for patients to make informed decisions about their health, for health professionals to provide quality care, and for policymakers to develop effective health policies.