Consumer Health Information Diversity Project

Objectives - The Consumer Health Information Diversity Project is developing principles and protocols for the translation of multilingual resources and the implementation of strategies to engage the Chinese and South Asian commu- nities so that the resources gathered or produced will meet their needs. Current multilingual Web sites will be evaluated, and the hospital's consumer health Web site will be enhanced, increasing navigability and accessibility. Methods - The health information needs of consumers are determined through focus groups. Once confirmed, a variety of strategies are used in response. Results - Activities are ongoing. Hard copy and PDF resources have been identified and navigability and accessibility have been addressed. Training is required to make these materials more available to the communities of interest. Discussion - Although not completed, a number of strategies have been initiated jointly by two hospital depart- ments. It is hoped that encouraging community involvement in all phases of the project will increase its sustainability.