Health literacy in the health system: goals and actions
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Abstract
The level of patients’ health literacy has become a key issue for health professionals and organizations, as it allows them to assess the skills and competencies of patients when using information about their own disease and how they can manage it. Numerous studies have shown how people with a low level of health literacy may have difficulties understanding the instructions of health professionals and have a worse health status and quality of life.
The professionals themselves must be trained in these aspects of health literacy in order to improve their communication and empathic skills when communicating with patients and families. Health professionals must be aware that their way of communicating and addressing patients will influence how they can respond to their situation, in terms of their self-care and approach to the disease, or regarding the follow-up of recommendations or therapeutic compliance. In the same way, a strategic approach from the institution itself is necessary. Thus, the management of the health center must also consider the incorporation of the patient in decision-making.
The health literacy of patients, therefore, will improve much more if this approach is carried out in a comprehensive way, taking into account patients and families, but also considering the communication skills of the professionals and the guidelines of the organization. In addition, for interventions to improve the population's health literacy level to be effective, the administrations, the health systems as a whole, have to incorporate among their guidelines, elements that favor the implementation of said actions.
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