Bonnie Parker
Marymount University, USA
Title: Health Literacy- conceptual analysis and implications for nursing practice and education
Biography
Biography: Bonnie Parker
Abstract
Health literacy is a construct used in the literature since 1974 associated with discussions of general literacy and understanding of health concepts. Since that time, health literacy has evolved into a concept that has political, social, economic, and moral implications. Yet the definition of this construct remains elusive. Psychometric tools have been developed and tested in attempts to measure health literacy and extrapolate its implication for practice and health policy. Content experts in the field of health literacy remain in disagreement while research continues to provide further insight into this complex construct. The ability to understand and measure health literacy has extensive implications for individuals, communities, healthcare systems, health policy, education and collaborative practice.
Implications of health literacy on nursing practice and education are significant. Much like universal precautions are used to avoid the spread of disease, a universal precautions approach should be used with each patient encounter regarding health literacy. Education, skills such as reading, cognitive ability and healthcare experience do not necessary correlate directly with health literacy. Health literacy can have significant implications for a patient’s ability to meet their healthcare needs.
The scope of health literacy for nursing education has a direct relationship with all professional activities. It is imperative for all nurses to have an understanding of the attributes of health literacy, how it is differentiated from patient education, as well as the implications that culture, education and previous experiences with healthcare systems can have on health literacy. Health literacy should be considered an essential component of nursing education.