The relationship of parental health literacy to health outcomes of children with medical complexity.

THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES: Children with medical complexity experience negative health outcomes despite the high costs associated with their care. There is growing evidence that low parental health literacy is associated with a number of poor child health outcomes, including medication errors. However, less is known about the relationship between parental health literacy and the health outcomes of children with medical complexity, whose care is known to be more complex and demanding of parents. PHENOMENA ADDRESSED: The challenges faced by parents of children with medical complexity are presented, including those related to communication, care coordination, and medication administration. The historical and theoretical perspectives of health literacy are discussed, and the relationship of parental health literacy to pediatric health outcomes for children with medical complexity is explored. RESEARCH LINKAGES: Remaining knowledge gaps about parental health literacy and its influence on the health of children with medical complexity are outlined. Future research and clinical practice implications of health literacy and its importance to family-centered care are discussed.