Health literacy, the ability to access, understand, and utilize basic health information and services, is a fundamental component of individual well-being and healthcare decision-making. Recently, at the Health Literacy Policy Forum, a diverse group of healthcare professionals and adult educators convened to delve into the profound implications of low literacy on health outcomes and to devise strategies for integrating health literacy efforts with adult literacy initiatives.
Dr. Lennox McLendon kicked off the forum with a comprehensive overview of adult education and literacy in the United States. Shockingly, statistics revealed that nearly 45% of the adult population lacks literacy skills at the Basic or Below Basic levels, with an additional 36 million adults failing to complete high school. Despite the considerable demand, adult education programs are constrained by limited capacity, leading to extensive waiting lists in many states.
Dr. Peggy Carr from the National Center for Education Statistics shed light on the assessment of health literacy through the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL). Disturbingly, the results indicated that a significant portion of the adult population struggles with health literacy, with 14% possessing Below Basic skills and only 12% deemed proficient. These findings underscored the urgent need for targeted interventions to improve health literacy nationwide.
Dr. Carmel of the American Medical Association shared firsthand experiences of navigating language barriers in healthcare settings. Despite innovative solutions such as phone translation services, the financial implications remain significant, especially for Medicaid patients. The AMA’s health literacy program, spanning over fifteen years, has been instrumental in training medical professionals to enhance communication with patients and prioritize patient safety.
Linda Johnston Lloyd from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) outlined the organization’s strategic priorities, emphasizing the importance of promoting access to healthcare information and cultivating a diverse healthcare workforce. Central to HRSA’s mission is safeguarding patient safety through effective communication—a goal that necessitates collaborative efforts across sectors.
The Health Literacy Policy Forum also spotlighted legislative initiatives, including the proposed National Health Literacy Act, spearheaded by Senators Norman Coleman and Tom Harkin. Andrew McKechnie, representing Senator Coleman’s office, fielded questions about the legislation and its potential impact on advancing health literacy efforts.
Following the presentations, a spirited brainstorming session ensued, fostering collaboration between NCL members and healthcare professionals. Participants exchanged ideas, explored partnership opportunities, and identified actionable steps to address the complex challenges posed by low health literacy.
As the Health Literacy Policy Forum concluded, it became evident that tackling health literacy requires a concerted effort involving stakeholders from various sectors. By harnessing the insights gleaned from this forum and fostering collaboration, we can work towards building a more health-literate society, where individuals are empowered to make informed healthcare decisions and navigate the complexities of the healthcare system with confidence.