5 Real-Life Examples of Health Literacy in Action
Health literacy is essential in understanding and promoting good health. It refers to the ability of individuals to access, understand and apply health information to make informed decisions about their health. Health literacy shapes individuals’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors concerning their health, and it’s especially crucial in complex health environments. Here are five real-life examples of health literacy in action.
1. Choosing Wisely
Choosing Wisely is an initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation, promoting conversations between clinicians and patients to help them make informed decisions about their healthcare. It started in 2012 and has continued to expand in the healthcare space. Choosing wisely focuses on patients being informed and empowered to ask questions about the care they receive, and clinicians responding with evidence-based recommendations. By providing patients with clear, concise information, they can make informed choices about their healthcare needs.
2. The National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report
The National Healthcare Quality and Disparities Report provides yearly reports on healthcare quality and disparities in the United States. The report helps individuals, healthcare facilities, and policymakers understand healthcare quality and disparities, and how healthcare goals can be achieved. This report includes information regarding access to healthcare, quality of care, and health status. Using data from the report can help improve communication between individuals and healthcare facilities.
3. The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI)
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) funds research that focuses on patient outcomes. PCORI’s goal is to help patients and healthcare providers make informed choices regarding treatment options, relying on evidence obtained through research and scientific studies. Through PCORI’s efforts, patients are more involved in their healthcare choices, promoting informed decision-making that is based on science.
4. Health Literacy Training for Clinicians
The health literacy training program trains clinicians to better understand health literacy, its impact, and how to improve communication with patients. Improved communication can lead to better healthcare outcomes and patient satisfaction, and the healthcare providers can better understand the needs of their patients, thereby providing appropriate guidance and counseling. Training clinicians helps them better communicate with patients, be more empathetic, and deal with sensitive topics.
5. Health Apps and Technologies
Mobile health applications and technologies, fitness trackers, and wearable medical devices have become increasingly popular in managing and tracking health outcomes. These apps and devices provide patients with information about their health, medication instructions, and exercise programs, and help them monitor their health trends. Individuals can use the information to assist them in making informed decisions about their healthcare and lifestyle adjustments to improve their health outcomes.
The Bottom Line
Health literacy plays a significant role in addressing healthcare needs and improving health outcomes. It promotes informed decision-making that helps individuals understand healthcare options, treatments, and make informed choices about their health. Several initiatives, institutions, and technologies have emerged to support health literacy at various levels, from personal to institutional healthcare. Health literacy is fundamental and must be addressed to promote better health outcomes, improved accessibility, and communication between healthcare providers and patients.
