Innovations in Health Literacy Research. Workshop Summary

摘要

The past two decades of research in health literacy have done much to raise awareness about the problems associated with low health literacy. Health literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions. Nearly 9 out of 10 adults have difficulty using everyday health information that is available in health care facilities, retail outlets, media, and communities. The impact of low health literacy disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic and minority groups. With knowledge of the effect of low health literacy, what does research say can be done to improve health literacy. Do interventions exist--aimed at either the consumer and patient or the healthcare system--that have been tested and shown to be effective. What research is needed to change the state of health literacy in the United States. The Institute of Medicine Roundtable on Health Literacy focuses on building partnerships to move the field of health literacy forward by translating research findings into practical strategies for implementation. The roundtable serves to educate the public, press, and policy makers regarding issues of health literacy. The roundtable sponsors workshops for members and the public to discuss approaches to resolve key challenges in the field.