The Essence of Health Literacy: Valued, Understood, and Heard Patients
In the complex world of healthcare, where medical jargon, intricate procedures, and a whirlwind of information often dominate the landscape, an important aspect often gets overshadowed: health literacy. Beyond merely understanding medical terminology and treatment options, health literacy is, at its core, about patients being and feeling valued, understood, and heard in their healthcare journey.
“Low health literacy is associated with more hospitalizations, greater use of emergency care, decreased use of preventive services, poorer ability to interpret labels and health messages, poorer health status, higher mortality, and higher health care costs (1).”?
In 2020, the CDC changed its definition of personal health literacy to “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 (2).” They emphasized people's ability to use information they find to make ‘well-informed’ decisions rather than just ‘appropriate’ ones.?
To us, this change shows the significance of health literacy being more than understanding medical terms; it really is about people feeling valued, heard, and understood.
Healthcare providers who respect their patients' autonomy and decisions empower them to take charge of their own health. This enhances the patient's self-esteem and fosters a sense of responsibility, encouraging them to make informed choices in their health.
The CDC also changed the definition of organizational health literacy in 2020 to be “the degree to which organizations equitably enable individuals to find, understand, and use information and services to inform health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others (2).” The new definition recognizes that organizations are responsible for addressing health literacy and incorporates a public health perspective.?
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Health literacy involves healthcare providers taking the time to explain medical conditions, treatment plans, and potential risks in ways patients can understand. Patients who fully understand their conditions and treatment options are more likely to correctly take medication and attend follow-up appointments, ultimately leading to better health outcomes.
Effective communication between patients and their medical team is essential for patients to adequately express their concerns, ask questions, and share their experiences. When patients feel heard, they are more likely to engage in open and honest conversations, which can uncover vital information about their health and preferences. This collaborative approach strengthens the doctor-patient relationship but can better help tailor treatment plans to the patient.
In conclusion, health literacy goes beyond a patient's ability to read medical brochures or comprehend prescriptions. It is about patients being and feeling valued, understood, and heard throughout their healthcare journey. When healthcare providers prioritize these aspects, they pave the way for more patient-centered care.