As healthcare professionals, we understand the urgency and importance of health literacy. Too often, we assume patients—especially seniors—understand their health information. But the truth is, many do not. Health literacy is more than just reading ability; it impacts a person’s entire healthcare journey—from following a care plan to managing chronic conditions. And when health literacy is low, outcomes suffer, which is why our role in improving health literacy is so crucial.

What Is Health Literacy?

Health Literacy is the ability to find, understand, and use health information to make informed decisions.

There are two main types of health literacy, according to Healthy People 2030:

1. Personal Health Literacy – A patient’s ability to understand and use information to make decisions for themselves.

2. Organizational Health Literacy – How well healthcare systems support patients in finding and using that information.

These definitions shift the focus from just “understanding” to using health information. They also emphasize organizational responsibility and health literacy’s broader public Keep this section in bullets for clarity. Use icons or emoji for visual interest.

• Personal Health Literacy – Patients understanding their care

• Organizational Health Literacy – Systems supporting that understanding

Why This Matters: More Than Just “Reading the Brochure”

Poor health literacy often worsens existing health disparities, especially for:

Personal health literacy isn’t just about reading ability. Patients need to:

• Read and understand prescription labels

• Understand medical brochures

• Navigate the healthcare system

• Report symptoms clearly

• Use digital tools like telehealth portals

• Complete insurance forms

It also includes:

• Visual Literacy (reading charts and graphs)

• Numeracy (calculating dosages or test results)

• Digital Literacy (navigating websites or patient portals)

Questions to Ask Your Patients

• Can you explain how to take your medication?

• Do you know where the nearest clinic or hospital is?

• Are you able to describe your symptoms clearly?

• Can you fill out your insurance paperwork?

If they struggle with any of these questions, health literacy may be the root issue.

Health Literacy and Health Equity Go Hand in Hand

Poor health literacy often worsens existing health disparities, especially for:

• Older adults (65+)

• Non-native English speakers

• Low-income populations

• Medicare/Medicaid recipients

• Racial and ethnic minorities

According to the National Library of Medicine:

9 out of 10 adults struggle with health literacy

60% of people with Medicaid coverage are either at “below basic” or “basic health” literacy levels

Even generally literate patients may have trouble processing health information when stressed, sick, or overwhelmed. Stress has been shown to significantly impair comprehension.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Based on research, here’s who faces the most significant health literacy challenges:

Risk Factor Impact on Health Literacy

• Age 65+ – lowest health literacy levels

• Low income/education – lower comprehension and access

• Limited English proficiency – high barriers to understanding and communication

• Medicaid/Medicare coverage – lower Literacy than private insurance recipients

• Racial/ethnic minority status – disproportionate access and outcomes

• Older adults with good education Still often have declining health literacy

Many older adults hide their struggles by saying things like, “i forgot my glasses” – a common workaround for not being able to read forms.

The Cost of Poor Health Literacy

The ripple effects of low health literacy are wide-reaching:

• Misunderstood care plans

• Poor medication adherence

• Avoidance of preventive care

• Inadequate chronic condition management

• Higher ER visits and hospital readmissions

• Increased healthcare costs

• Higher mortality rates

The financial toll is up to $238 billion annually on the U.S. healthcare system.

Why Stress Makes It Worse

Even patients with solid literacy skills can experience lapses when they’re under stress from:

• A new diagnosis

• Loss of a loved one

• Financial worries

• Mental health struggles

Stress can impair cognitive function, making it harder to absorb and act on medical advice. Emotional support can be the first step toward helping patients comprehend their treatment.

How You Can Help: Be a Champion for Health Literacy

Understand National Initiatives

• The Plain Writing Act (2010) – Requires federal agencies (like Medicare and Social Security) to use plain, clear language.

• The National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy – is a 7-goal framework to help organizations support better communication and decision-making.

These initiatives aim to make healthcare information accessible, actionable, and understandable for everyone.

Use These Tools in Your Practice

MyHealthfinder

An online support tool that helps patients understand their preventive care needs.

Visit MyHealthfinder

MediBabble

A translation app for medical professionals, covering common instructions and questions in 6 languages:

• English

• Spanish

• Russian

• Cantonese

• Mandarin

• Haitian Creole

4 Ways You Can Promote Health Literacy Today

1. Know Your Patient

• What language do they speak?

• What is their education level?

• Do they have cultural or religious practices that affect care?

• Are they visual or auditory learners?

• Do they know how to use digital health tools?

Don’t assume based on their record—ask open-ended questions.

2. Simplify Your Language

• Replace medical jargon with plain words

Say “heart doctor” instead of “cardiologist.”  Improving health literacy is crucial for ensuring that patients can effectively engage with their healthcare provider and make informed decisions regarding their treatment. Here are some specific strategies and resources for healthcare professionals:

**Assessing Health Literacy**  

   Healthcare professionals can use screening tools such as the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM) or the Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (TOFHLA) to gauge a patient’s health literacy level. These assessments help identify areas where patients may struggle and allow for tailored communication strategies.

**Tailoring Communication**  

After assessing health literacy, professionals can simplify medical terminology, use plain language, and avoid jargon. Using “teach-back” methods, where patients are asked to explain their understanding of their treatment plan, ensures they comprehend the information.

**Creating Educational Materials**  

Providing patients with concise, culturally appropriate educational materials can significantly enhance understanding. Organizations can use visuals, infographics, and videos to cater to different learning styles.

**Utilizing Community Resources**

Connecting patients to community resources, such as local health literacy programs, can provide additional support. Many organizations, including local libraries and public health departments, offer workshops or one-on-one assistance.

• By implementing these strategies, healthcare professionals can play a critical role in improving their patients’ health literacy, leading to better health outcomes and enhanced patient empowerment.

• Break information into small chunks

• Use analogies and visuals when possible

3. Encourage Open Communication

• Create a safe space for patients to ask questions

• Use “Ask Me 3”:

  1. What is my main problem?

  2. What do I need to do?

  3. Why is it important?

4. Use the Teach-Back Method

“Can you explain to me how you’ll take this medication when you get home?”

This method confirms understanding without putting the patient on the spot.

✔ It’s not a test. It’s a chance for clarification.

✔ Use it after every new piece of information you share.

Final Thoughts: Health Literacy = Health Equity

By promoting health literacy, you’re not just sharing information—you’re empowering your patients to take control of their care. You’re reducing disparities, improving outcomes, and building trust.

The next time you discharge a patient, ask yourself:

Do they really understand what will come next?

Additional Resources

• CDC Health Literacy Portal

• Health.gov: MyHealthfinder Tool

• Plain Language Action and Information Network

• MediBabble App

References

1. “What Is Health Literacy?” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 July 2023, www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/learn/index.html.
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3. “An Introduction to Health Literacy.” National Library of Medicine, 2024, www.nnlm.gov/guides/intro-health-literacy. 
4. Katherine SacksAssociate, and Bumyang KimAssociate. “Health Literacy in the United States: Enhancing Assessments and Reducing Disparities.” Milken Institute, 17 May 2022, milkeninstitute.org/report/health-literacy-us-assessments-disparities. 
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9. “Plain Writing Act of 2010.” GovInfo, 2010, www.govinfo.gov/app/details/PLAW-111publ274. 
10. “National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 June 2023, www.cdc.gov/healthliteracy/planact/national.html. 
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