Health literacy plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals to take control of their health. In today’s increasingly complex healthcare environment, it is vital that patients comprehend their health conditions, treatment options, and the workings of the healthcare system. This understanding is key to improving health outcomes. When patients are well-informed and actively engaged, they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, adopt preventive measures, and make informed decisions. In turn, this leads to enhanced well-being, reduced healthcare costs, and better overall health outcomes.
The right tools and technology have a part to play in patient education and engagement. From personalized learning platforms to real-time health information, technology is transforming how patients access and understand their care, leading to more informed decision-making and better health management.
Health literacy is about how people understand information about health and care, and how effectively they apply that knowledge to make informed decisions and take appropriate action regarding their own wellbeing.
Despite its importance, low health literacy is a critical public health issue that has long been underestimated worldwide:1
- 36% of U.S. adults have basic or below-basic health literacy2
- In the UK, 7.1 million adults read at, or below, the level of an average 9 year old3
- Almost 60% of adult Australians have low individual health literacy4
This means that much of the adult population may lack the skills needed to effectively manage their health and prevent disease. Therefore, they may not be able to effectively exercise their choice or voice when making healthcare decisions.
Low health literacy is associated with several negative health outcomes, including higher rates of hospitalization, less frequent use of preventive services, and an increased risk of chronic disease complications.5 It is estimated that inadequate health literacy adds additional $106 to $238 billion cost to the health care system in the U.S., representing 7–17% of all personal healthcare expenditures.6
Health literacy and patient education can also play a significant role in reducing health inequalities. Vulnerable or disadvantaged populations, including the elderly, non-native English speakers or those with low socioeconomic status, are more likely to experience low health literacy.8 This can exacerbate existing health disparities and create barriers to accessing care, understanding medical instructions, or adhering to prescribed treatments.
Improving health literacy for these groups requires targeted interventions that consider the specific challenges they face. This includes creating materials that are culturally appropriate and written in plain language, providing translation services, and utilizing technology in innovative ways to reach and support these communities. Research has shown that health education delivered in a person’s native language or with visual aids can significantly improve comprehension and retention, leading to better health outcomes.9
When patients are actively involved in their healthcare, they are more likely to achieve better health outcomes and have more positive healthcare experiences. Research indicates that more engaged patients are less likely to visit the emergency room or be hospitalized, and they tend to have lower overall healthcare costs.10 In addition to reduced healthcare utilization, engaged patients are more likely to adhere to prescribed treatments, attend follow-up appointments, and practice preventive health behaviors.11
Technology can be a powerful tool to support health literacy and patient education. Digital platforms that use visual aids, interactive modules, and simplified text can help patients better understand their health conditions and treatment options. Mobile health applications and patient portals, when designed with a user-friendly interface, can also serve as valuable resources for ongoing education and engagement.
In addition to delivering patient education, these platforms can support communication between patients and providers, making it easier for individuals to ask questions, express concerns, and participate in shared decision-making. For example, apps that offer voice-to-text functionalities or provide information through audio and video formats can be especially beneficial for those with limited reading or writing skills.
Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) that incorporate patient education can play an essential role in this process. They can provide educational content that aligns with a patient’s condition, treatment plan, and preferred language. This helps bridge communication gaps and ensures that patients have the information they need to make informed decisions.
These systems can provide clinicians with tools to counsel patients about their health conditions, treatment options, and potential side effects in a manner that is easy to understand and actionable. For instance, providing patients with medication counseling can help them understand the risks and benefits of their prescriptions, avoid dangerous interactions, and know what to expect while taking a new medication.
Moreover, educational content should be tailored for lower literacy levels and available in the patients mother tongue, offering information in a way that is linguistically accessible. This ensures that patients, regardless of their literacy level or primary language, have the opportunity to understand their health information and engage more effectively with their healthcare providers.
Improving health literacy and delivering comprehensive patient education are essential strategies for enhancing health outcomes and reducing disparities in care. Empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources to manage their health not only leads to better clinical results but also contributes to a more equitable and efficient healthcare system. As we move forward in the digital age, harnessing technology and evidence-based tools like clinical decision support systems will be crucial in ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or literacy level, can access the information needed to lead healthier lives.
