Health Literacy Paper

According to Keogh (2014), health literacy is comprised of literacy, comprehension, and participation. When I think of health literacy I focus on a patient's capacity to read and understand printed materials. A requirement of all nurses in the hospital I work in is to hand out education about the admitting diagnosis at the bedside. Every patient receives information about their diagnosis, interventions, prevention, possible surgical procedures, and medications. Many times I noticed a lack of interest when I handed these papers to patients and I would tell them I would give them time to read it throughout the day and anwser questions they may have. Some would read it and ask appropriate questions, but I would say most did not. It was then that I became aware that a large percentage of people could not read or could not comprehend what they were

"Regardless of a person's literacy level, health literacy can be a challenge for anyone, because healthcare environments often require more demanding literacy skills than necassary in daily life" (Keogh, 2014). To try and help this situation I started to highlight the key points on the papers and I would read the highlighted areas to the patients while their family members were present so that I knew everyone in the room received some information and I would stay to answer questions. This helped, but not much. The idea is great. Hospitals have software that explains everything possible a patient is admitted for. However, in my opinion the idea that these patients are reading the material, learning about their condition, and comprehending how to care for themselves and strategies for prevention is good in theory, but not in