What is health literacy?
Health literacy reflects a person’s ability to find, understand, and use health information. It also refers to how well health professionals and organizations provide clear information so patients can make informed decisions about their health.
Health care can be confusing. Health literacy gives us the lens and the tools to make health information clear and accessible for all.
Why does health literacy matter?
People need to be able to find, understand, and use information to make good health decisions. Yet many people lack the skills, and as a result, their health suffers.
Health Information Can Be Challenging for Many
3 out of 5 people struggle to find, understand, and use health information.
Everyone Struggles with Health Information Sometimes
It’s normal for anyone—regardless of their skills—to find health information overwhelming or confusing at times.
Limited Skills Can Impact Health
When people have fewer skills or resources, they may face more challenges with their health, leading to more ER visits and less consistent care.
Benefits of Improving Health Literacy
When we make information easier to understand and use, it benefits everyone. Improving health literacy leads to:
- Better care
- Lower costs
- Higher satisfaction
- Improved health
- Healthier communities