The Negative Effects Of Low Health Literacy

Health literacy is “the degree to which an individual has the capacity to obtain, communicate, process, and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015). Low health literacy is a major problem in the US and it can have a negative impact on patient health and outcomes. Another major problem is heart failure. When low health literacy is combined with a chronic condition, like heart failure, research has shown disastrous consequences, such as poor quality of health and increased mortality. According to data heart failure and low health literacy are costly, common problems among populations 65 and older. Changes to healthcare to improve health literacy

Low health literacy costs the U.S. more than $58 billion annually, and is associated with an increase in preventable hospital visits and admissions. Annual health care costs for an individual with low health literacy is four times higher than someone with adequate health literacy. (Centers for Health Care Strategies, 2013). According to the Centers for Health Care Strategies (2013), populations at a higher risk for low health literacy include racial and ethnic minorities, those with less than a high school degree, the elderly, and those who have chronic health conditions like congestive heart failure

First, improvements to the information provided to heart failure patients need to be made. According to US Department of Health and Human Services (2010), without clear information and an understanding of prevention and self-management of conditions, patients end up in the emergency room more often and have a hard time managing chronic diseases. Information can come from many sources such as healthcare providers, pamphlets, news media, and family members and friends. Partnering with cardiologist, public health officials, news stations, and community organizations and churches to ensure that appropriate information is provided regarding healthcare. Training should be provided to these groups about health literacy. The US Department of Health and Human Services (2010), suggest that few health care professionals receive formal training in communication, particularly in working with people with limited literacy. Also, studies show that many Americans receive their health information from local news, however, the information that is often provided are claims not supported by data, commercialism, shows disregard for the uncertainty of clinical trials, and single source stories. “A survey of journalists found that only 18 percent had specialized training in health reporting and 50 percent were not familiar with health literacy” (US Department of Health and Human