Health Literacy: Why it Matters
What is health literacy?
Health literacy is the ability to find, understand and use information to make an informed decision when it comes to one’s health. According to SOPHE, “health literacy is when organizations or people create and give others health information that is easy for them to understand”. Health literacy requires a person’s understanding and ability to retain, process, and comprehend health information and services to make health care related choices or decisions.
Health literacy is a good thing and is empowering for both the patient and the provider. Having high health literacy displays a great deal of effective communication and comprehension. We hear all the time how effective communication is the key to solving most issues. The same idea is true of health literacy. When information during an interaction with a patient is given, there is a time where the information needs to be confirmed by both parties. If there is not confirmation from both sides, then one or both individuals need to recognize this and ask for clarity or explain it differently.
Health literacy is a two-way street. The provider should make sure a patient understands everything they are explaining and they also should be able to recognize if a patient doesn’t understand by facial cues, body language or just simply confirming with the patient. Also, a patient should never walk out feeling confused or not understand what was truly said to them. Patients have to be their own advocate and make sure that they voice when they do not understand something when it comes to their health. A problem arises when there is a barrier between the lines of communication and information retention when it comes to health literacy. This can be as simple as not speaking clearly, using textbook terminology or simply just not knowing what is being stated with the information given.
As a society, there is a problem of low health literacy. So, why is this important? Low health literacy can be problematic on a smaller scale, such as an individual taking their medication incorrectly because they misunderstood the provider. On a larger scale, it could mean an entire community is more likely to have a low health literacy rate leading to an entire population not receiving true, quality health care.
The Harvard Kennedy School stated, “No one is ever fully health literate, and everyone at some point needs help in understanding or acting on important health information or navigating a complex system, even in economically advanced countries with strong education systems. Some population categories most likely to experience low health literacy are older adults, racial, ethnic minorities, low educational level, migrants, and people with compromised health status.” Health literacy is quite common and happens to more people than we think, whether we recognize it or not. Some may experience it more frequently than others. The social determinants of health can play a big role in this and are considered the norm for most of our patients such as low income, lower education level, older or young ages, legally disable, or being non-English speaking. A variety of patients from all backgrounds are seen by health professionals daily who don’t recognize how many barriers are in place that may cause low health literacy.
Below are some methods for both providers and patients to use and bridge the gap in health literacy.
How to promote one’s own health literacy
Ask for more “plain” language when talking with a provider
By insisting on this, simple language is incorporated in both verbal and written communication.
For example, when plain language is incorporated for a patient, one may say “you” instead of speaking generally. Have the provider use short sentences that get directly to the point of a conversation instead of too many words or too many steps.
A provider should be substituting words such as “take” with “swallow”, “belly/ stomach” instead of “abdomen”, or even “harmful/ serious” instead of “adverse.”
Ask for visual aids to be included
This strategy will not only allow a person to read about healthcare terms, it provides a demonstration of services or helps prompt an idea of what care will look like.
Examples of this could be viewing a pamphlet with visual aids and even resources such as phone numbers. Bold print can catch the attention of a reader/viewer as well.
Speak slowly and clearly
Asking a provider to repeat something slowly and clearly for you is a great way to enhance health literacy during a conversation. An individual may be more receptive to a message because it gives a person the chance to process the information.
Make sure to clarify any steps or instructions with provider
Asking the provider to explain something again but in a different or simpler way helps improve comprehension. This indicates to the provider that their message wasn’t 100% clear or needs to be described more.
Don’t be afraid to ask a provider clarifying questions
Be honest with your provider
When a patient is honest with their provider, it helps to build a better relationship between the two. The provider may understand a patient’s experiences and behaviors more and can provider better assistance when the patient is honest. Providers should be offering a space that is judgment free so it allows for the opportunity.
Low health literacy is a major issue today that is often overlooked. Providers need to be working to bridge the language gap between themselves and the patients they serve. Because health literacy is a two way street, both providers and patients can do their part to contribute.