Unpacking the Negative Effects of Low Health Literacy on Patients
As patients, we rely on medical professionals to provide us with appropriate treatment and guidance for our well-being. However, what happens when low health literacy results in a patient not understanding their diagnosis, medication usage or dosages, and treatment plans? Unfortunately, this scenario is more common than we may realize, with studies indicating that nearly half of adults in the United States have limited health literacy skills.
What is Health Literacy?
Health literacy refers to an individual’s ability to understand, interpret and use health information to navigate the healthcare system. A person with adequate health literacy is competent in distinguishing between reliable and unreliable sources of health information, understanding medical terminology, and communicating effectively with healthcare professionals about their health concerns.
The Negative Effects of Low Health Literacy on Patients
Unfortunately, low health literacy can have several negative effects on patients, including:
1. Poorer Health Outcomes
Patients with low health literacy are at a higher risk of experiencing poorer health outcomes. They are less likely to receive preventive care, properly manage chronic conditions, and comply with medication instructions, leading to the progression of disease and a higher risk of hospitalization.
2. Misinterpretation of Medical Information
Patients who have challenges with health literacy may misinterpret medical information, leading to misunderstandings about their diagnosis, treatment options, and medication usage. This can further lead to non-adherence to treatment plans, which may exacerbate health issues and cause further complications.
3. Increased Healthcare Costs
Patients with low health literacy are more likely to experience preventable hospitalizations, longer stays, and readmissions, adding to the overall cost of healthcare.
The Importance of Addressing Low Health Literacy
It is essential to address low health literacy and its negative effects, not just for the individual patient but also for public health as a whole. Medical professionals need to ensure that patients can access and understand critical health information to avoid adverse outcomes. Additionally, creating easy-to-understand health materials and improving communication channels between healthcare providers and patients may help improve health literacy levels.
Conclusion
Low health literacy can have devastating effects on patients and healthcare outcomes. It is imperative to increase awareness of the issue and work towards improving health literacy skills to help prevent negative outcomes and enhance the quality of healthcare received.
