Why health literacy matters to patients

Materials designed using health literacy principles can benefit patients in many ways. Patients can learn what questions to ask their doctors, keep track of their medicines, and make informed decisions about their care. These are the patients who can achieve better outcomes. See below for some helpful online patient resources.

Questions Are the Answer
My Med Schedule® Mobile
Ask Me 3™
 
Or you can download our easy how-to guides designed just for patients.

How to get the most from your doctor's visit
Be smart about your medicines
Talking with your pharmacist




Why health literacy matters to the healthcare industry

Only 12% of Americans have proficient health literacy.(1) And only
low-health-literacy-quiz

Download our low health literacy quiz
about 50% of all patients take medicines as directed.(2) Designing materials with health literacy in mind can help fill this gap. Let us show you what we mean with this health literacy quiz.

For close to 25 years, HealthEd has helped create educational  programs that are clear, understandable, and helpful to both patients and the healthcare industry. Because understanding is the first step to a healthier world.


Sources:
(1) Kutner M, Greenberg E, Jin Y, Paulsen C. The health literacy of America’s adults: results from the 2003 national assessment of adult literacy. US Department of Education.
(2) World Health Organization. Adherence to long-term therapies: evidence for action. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2003. (ISBN 92 4 154599 2; NLM classification: W 85)
http://www.who.int/hiv/pub/prev_care/lttherapies/en/


 

 

“Basic health literacy is fundamental to the success of each interaction between health care professionals and patients—every prescription, every treatment, and every recovery.”
 
 
—Howard K. Koh, MD, MPH, Assistant Secretary for Health

The National Action Plan to Improve Health Literacy