Angela Jukkala1, Joy P Deupree, Shannon Graham. 1. University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Nursing, Department of Community Health, Outcomes and Systems, 312 School of Nursing Building, 1701 University Boulevard, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Health care providers' awareness and knowledge of the impact that limited health literacy has on the health care system and the individual patient was measured. In addition, the usefulness of the Limited Literacy Impact Measure (LLIM) was examined. METHODS: Two hundred forty providers and students attending a university-sponsored presentation on health literacy were invited to participate. RESULTS: Participants were most knowledgeable about the impact on patients and less knowledgeable about the impact on the health care system. CONCLUSIONS: Health care provider knowledge and awareness of limited health literacy continues to be a challenge. Educational programs developed for providers and patients are needed to address the health literacy crisis. Improving health literacy will improve health outcomes while reducing the use of unnecessary health care services.
BACKGROUND: Health care providers' awareness and knowledge of the impact that limited health literacy has on the health care system and the individual patient was measured. In addition, the usefulness of the Limited Literacy Impact Measure (LLIM) was examined. METHODS: Two hundred forty providers and students attending a university-sponsored presentation on health literacy were invited to participate. RESULTS:Participants were most knowledgeable about the impact on patients and less knowledgeable about the impact on the health care system. CONCLUSIONS: Health care provider knowledge and awareness of limited health literacy continues to be a challenge. Educational programs developed for providers and patients are needed to address the health literacy crisis. Improving health literacy will improve health outcomes while reducing the use of unnecessary health care services.
Authors: Michelle Lambert; Joanne Luke; Bernice Downey; Sue Crengle; Margaret Kelaher; Susan Reid; Janet Smylie Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2014-11-29 Impact factor: 2.655