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The Center for Disease Control and Prevention defines health literacy as “the degree to which individuals have the ability to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others.” This area has become a popular topic in the medical industry over the last decade. Medical professionals have recognized that “taking care of our health is part of everyday life, not just when we visit a doctor, clinic, or hospital. Health literacy can help us prevent health problems, protect our health, and better manage health problems when they arise.”
Who Does This Impact?
“Eighty-seven million American adults have low health literacy (LHL), costing up to $238 billion annually in inefficiencies,” according to a study published in the Health Sciences and Research Commons. The National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports “two decades of research have shown that today’s health information is presented in a way that isn’t usable by most Americans. Nearly 9 out of 10 adults have difficulty using the health information that is routinely available in health care facilities, retail outlets, media, and communities.”
According to this study “Limited health literacy affects people of all ages, races, incomes, and education levels, but the impact of limited health literacy disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic and minority groups.” A lack of literacy impacts people’s ability to use information, live healthy lifestyles, act on important public health alerts, and results in worse outcomes at higher costs.
Why is There a Problem?
When people are given complex or high-level medical information that is difficult to comprehend, we are reinforcing a health literacy problem. When we expect people to simply figure out this complex data or information, and navigate it without support or explanation, we are also reinforcing this problem.
Why Does It Matter?
At its core, this is a crucial way for healthcare providers to build trust with patients, especially in underserved communities. It is crucial to build health literacy in clinical settings, public health, and community organizations. The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine recommend several key ways to connect with the masses which include:
- Using plain language
- Using your audience’s preferred language and communication channels
- Using culturally and linguistically appropriate language
How Can We Improve Health Literacy?
There are several ways professionals and those circulating health information can improve literacy according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention which include:
- Develop and circulate information and services people can understand.
- Meet people where they are when it comes to literacy.
- Work with educators and others to help people become more familiar with health information and services.
- Build and improve skills as communicators of health information.
- Work with trusted messengers to share information such as community leaders or grassroots organizations.
- Consider the cultural and linguistic norms, environment, and history of your intended audience when developing your information and messages.
- Use certified translators and interpreters when communicating.
Looking Towards the Future
When we think deeply about the impact a lack of access to information has on the greater good, we realize that we all have a role to play. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention states, “businesses, educators, community leaders, government agencies, health insurers, healthcare providers, the media, and many other organizations and individuals all have a part to play in improving health literacy in our society.”
Are you trying to improve your own health literacy? Join PatientsLikeMe today to find a variety of accessible, digestible health information about your conditions and discover like-minded folks who are dealing with similar things.