To successfully manage their health, people must be able “to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions.” Known as health literacy, this ability involves using reading, writing, verbal, and numerical skills in the context of health. Being health literate, however, also depends on the complexity of the health information given to patients and the tasks they are asked to perform. A national survey showed that 88% of U.S. adults do not have the health literacy skills needed to manage all the demands of the current health care system and 36% have limited health literacy.

Research shows that clinicians have trouble identifying patients with limited health literacy. Although some groups have higher rates of health literacy limitations, such as some racial/ethnic minority and older populations, limited health literacy is seen in all sociodemographic groups. Moreover, managing one’s health can be more challenging in times of stress. When patients or caregivers are anxious or overwhelmed with too much information, their ability to absorb, recall, and use health information can decline, compromising their ability to manage their health.

What Are Health Literacy Universal Precautions?

Because limited health literacy is common and is hard to recognize, experts recommend using health literacy universal precautions. Practices should assume that all patients and caregivers may have difficulty comprehending health information and should communicate in ways that anyone can understand. Health literacy universal precautions are aimed at—

■ simplifying communication with and confirming comprehension for all patients, so that the risk of miscommunication is minimized

■ making the office environment and health care system easier to navigate

■ supporting patients’ efforts to improve their health

Everyone gains from health literacy universal precautions. Research shows that interventions designed for people with limited health literacy also benefit those with stronger health literacy skills. Communicating clearly helps people feel more involved in their health care and increases the chances of following through on their treatment plans. All patients appreciate receiving information that is clear and easy to act on.

Author/s:

Brega, Angela G., Barnard, Juliana, Mabachi, Natabhona M., Weiss, Barry D., DeWalt, Darren A., Brach, Cindy, Cifuentes, Maribel, Albright, Karen, West, David R., Callahan, Leigh F., Hawk, Victoria H., Broucksou, Kimberly A., Hink, Ashley, Rudd, Rima