Health literacy is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as “the cognitive and social skills that determine the motivation and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways that promote and maintain good health” (World Health Organization [WHO], n.d.). This definition emphasizes that health literacy extends beyond reading ability and includes the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to make informed health decisions. As such, health literacy is essential for both healthcare professionals and patients.
Both interpreting research evidence to support clinical decision-making and communicating health information in a manner that promotes patient understanding and trust require strong health literacy skills and contribute to the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centered care.
Although recognizing the importance of health literacy is essential, awareness alone does not ensure effective health literacy practices. How does health literacy influence patient outcomes? What barriers or social determinants of health may affect an individual’s ability to access, understand, and apply health information?
For this Discussion, reflect on your understanding of health literacy, health information technology, and health economics. Consider the impact of each of these concepts on patient care and explore how they are interconnected. In addition, recommend strategies to address potential barriers and improve outcomes related to these important aspects of healthcare.
Reference: World Health Organization. (n.d.). Health literacy. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/enhanced-wellbeing/seventh-global-conference/health-literacy
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
To Prepare
Review the Learning Resources associated with the topics: Health Literacy, Health Information Technology (HIT) on Patient Outcomes, and Health Economics.
Consider the role of each of these topics in influencing how healthcare is delivered and practiced in your healthcare organization or nursing practice.
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post a cohesive response that addresses the following:
What strategies do you recommend for addressing barriers and challenges associated with social determinants of health in nursing practice? How can nurses effectively use information technologies to support the delivery of equitable care to all patients?
This discussion asks how health literacy influences patient outcomes, and what barriers or social determinants of health (SDOH) affect a person’s ability to access, understand, and apply health information — with a nod to health information technology (HIT). Connect literacy, SDOH, and technology to real outcomes.
Key takeaways
- Health literacy (WHO) is the skills, motivation, and confidence to access, understand, and use health information.
- Low health literacy links to worse outcomes: errors, poor adherence, more admissions.
- SDOH — education, income, language, access, digital access — shape literacy and outcomes.
- HIT (portals, apps, telehealth) can help or widen gaps (the ‘digital divide’).
- Support with scholarly sources and cite in APA.
How health literacy affects outcomes
Explain the chain: patients who can understand and act on health information manage conditions better, adhere to treatment, and avoid preventable errors and readmissions. Low health literacy is associated with poorer self-management, misunderstanding of instructions, and higher costs. Note that it applies to professionals too — interpreting evidence and communicating clearly both require strong health literacy.
Barriers and social determinants
Identify SDOH that shape a person’s ability to access, understand, and apply information: education level, income, language and cultural differences, limited access to care, and digital access. Show how these compound — e.g., limited English plus low income plus poor broadband severely restricts engagement.
The role of health information technology
Discuss how HIT cuts both ways: patient portals, apps, and telehealth can improve access and understanding (plain-language summaries, reminders, remote visits), but the digital divide can widen disparities for those without devices, connectivity, or digital literacy. Recommend equity-minded design — plain language, multilingual content, accessibility.
Format
Reflect as the prompt asks, support claims with scholarly sources, and format in APA.