Health literacy

Health literacy is the ability to find, understand, evaluate, and use health information and services to make decisions for oneself and others.

Health information: Information about health, illness, healthcare, and ways to prevent or treat disease. Health literacy depends on finding and interpreting information about conditions and care.
Informed consent: A process in which a person receives relevant information and voluntarily agrees to a medical intervention or study. Understanding risks and choices is necessary for meaningful consent.
Health disparities: Differences in health outcomes or healthcare access among population groups. Unequal access to understandable information can compound existing differences in care.
Functional health literacy: Basic reading and writing skills needed to function effectively in healthcare settings. Early health-literacy measures often emphasized the ability to read medical materials.
Health communication: The exchange of information about health among individuals, communities, and organizations. Clear communication helps people understand and act on health information.
Medication adherence: The extent to which a person takes medication as prescribed and agreed with a care provider. Understanding instructions and treatment plans can affect whether medicines are taken as intended.
Patient safety: The prevention of harm to patients during the provision of healthcare. Misunderstood instructions can contribute to preventable errors and harm.
Interactive health literacy: More advanced communication and cognitive skills used to obtain and apply health information. This dimension expands beyond basic comprehension toward active participation.
Numeracy: The ability to understand and use numerical information in everyday situations. Medication doses, risk estimates, and test results require interpreting numbers.
Patient navigation: Individualized assistance that helps people overcome barriers to accessing healthcare services. Navigation support can help people act on information and reach appropriate care.

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