Health and Literacy: A Review of Medical and Public Health Literature

摘要: Literacy has recently emerged as a key item on the research agenda in medicine and public health. Researchers practitioners are grappling with evidence that reading ability of average adult falls well below level educational materials, directives, forms, informed-consent documents commonly used health field. The threats to effective communication efficacious care have spurred interest exploring strategies for more communication. In addition, increased attention literacy may be driven by legal concerns adequate protection human subjects ethical patient autonomy procedures. Methodological strides made since 1992, particularly form new tools rapid measurement, enabled number researchers explore links between patients outcomes will critical policy implications. These investigations can best undertaken through collaborative efforts educators who understand learning process professionals protocols education. Findings serve enrich practice.