BACKGROUND: Health literacy is the ability to understand and interpret the meaning of health information in written, spoken or digital form and how this motivates people to embrace or disregard actions relating to health. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to describe the concept of health literacy, its importance and its applications in the general practice setting. DISCUSSION: Australia trails behind other western countries in practical applications of health literacy. Health literacy underpins the efficiency of consultations, health promotion efforts, and self management programs. Recognition of the health literacy status of individuals allows use of appropriate communication tools. This can save time and effort and improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes.
BACKGROUND: Health literacy is the ability to understand and interpret the meaning of health information in written, spoken or digital form and how this motivates people to embrace or disregard actions relating to health. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to describe the concept of health literacy, its importance and its applications in the general practice setting. DISCUSSION: Australia trails behind other western countries in practical applications of health literacy. Health literacy underpins the efficiency of consultations, health promotion efforts, and self management programs. Recognition of the health literacy status of individuals allows use of appropriate communication tools. This can save time and effort and improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes.
Authors: Kristine Sørensen; Stephan Van den Broucke; James Fullam; Gerardine Doyle; Jürgen Pelikan; Zofia Slonska; Helmut Brand Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2012-01-25 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Chandni Joshi; Upali W Jayasinghe; Sharon Parker; Chris Del Mar; Grant Russell; Jane Lloyd; Danielle Mazza; Elizabeth Denney-Wilson; Mieke van Driel; Richard Taylor; Mark F Harris Journal: BMC Fam Pract Date: 2014-10-25 Impact factor: 2.497
Authors: Upali W Jayasinghe; Mark Fort Harris; Sharon M Parker; John Litt; Mieke van Driel; Danielle Mazza; Chris Del Mar; Jane Lloyd; Jane Smith; Nicholas Zwar; Richard Taylor Journal: Health Qual Life Outcomes Date: 2016-05-04 Impact factor: 3.186