Center for Public Health Innovation
Health Literacy
Health literacy is defined as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions” (Healthy People 2010). A growing body of research is showing that
Health Literacy
Medical information is often misunderstood or misinterpreted by people with limited health literacy, which can result in missed appointments, medication errors, poor patient compliance and potentially poor health outcomes (American Medical Association). The following resources can help providers to better communicate with their patients.
Training
Websites
Books/Manuals/Kits
- Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion
Institute of Medicine Report, April, 2004
- Clear & Simple: Developing Effective Print Materials For Low-Literate Readers
National Cancer Institute, available at no cost.
- Health Literacy Kit: Help your patients understand.
American Medical Association