BMC Health Services Research is calling for submissions to our Collection, Improving health literacy to reduce health inequalities.

This Collection aims to explore the role of health literacy in mitigating health disparities and enhancing equitable health outcomes. It invites scholarly articles that examine strategies for improving health literacy among diverse populations, the impact of health literacy on healthcare access and utilization, and innovative approaches to integrating health literacy into public health and clinical practices. The goal is to identify effective interventions, policies, and educational programs that can 1) empower individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed health decisions, and 2) mitigate the effects of low health literacy by removing literacy-related barriers (e.g., making health information easier to understand and act on) ultimately reducing health inequalities. Topics include but are not limited to:

Impact of health literacy and individual skills on health outcomes

Systemic interventions to address health literacy barriers

Policies to create equitable health literacy environments and reduce disparities

Training healthcare professionals to recognize and address health literacy challenges

The role of health literacy skills and environments in shaping preventive health behaviors

Community-centered approaches to address health literacy in diverse populations

Evaluating digital health tools in reducing health literacy barriers

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being and SDG 10:Reduced Inequalities.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.

BMC Health Services Research is calling for submissions to our Collection on Trauma-informed approaches: Implications for practice, policy, and research.

Trauma-informed approach mark a pivotal evolution in organizational development by recognizing the pervasive impact of trauma on individuals within healthcare organizations. These initiatives involve implementing practices sensitive to the trauma experiences of both patients and healthcare staff, such as adopting patient-centered care approaches, trauma-specific interventions, and staff training on trauma sensitivity. This Collection aims to examine the crucial role of trauma-informed initiatives in fostering safety, resilience, and healing within healthcare settings, with a focus on addressing the unique needs and experiences of both patients and staff members. Additionally, it addresses how routine healthcare procedures can inadvertently retraumatize both patients and staff, underscoring the necessity for trauma-sensitive approaches to mitigate harm and promote holistic well-being for all stakeholders involved.

This Collection explores and highlights the transformative impact of trauma-informed organizational change programs. We are particularly interested in the following research areas:

Theoretical frameworks and models of trauma-informed organizational change within healthcare settings

Reports of successful implementation of trauma-informed practices in various healthcare organizations

The role of healthcare leadership in driving and sustaining trauma-informed organizational change

Strategies for integrating trauma-informed approaches into existing healthcare organizational structures and processes to enhance patient care and staff well-being

Measurement and evaluation of the effectiveness of trauma-informed organizational change programs in improving patient outcomes and staff satisfaction

Addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion within trauma-informed healthcare organizational change efforts

Challenges and barriers to implementing trauma-informed practices in different healthcare specialties or sectors

Training and professional development for healthcare staff and leaders in trauma-informed approaches to patient care

Ethical considerations and dilemmas in trauma-informed organizational change initiatives within healthcare settings

Future directions and innovations in trauma-informed organizational development research and practice within healthcare contexts.

This Collection supports and amplifies research related to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth , and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

All manuscripts submitted to this journal, including those submitted to collections and special issues, are assessed in line with our editorial policies and the journal’s peer review process. Reviewers and editors are required to declare competing interests and can be excluded from the peer review process if a competing interest exists.