Health

Health Literacy benefits equate to improved care for everyone


Published: 2017-11-28 years Updated: 2020-03-15
Author: University of Missouri-Columbia | Contact: missouri.edu
Peer-reviewed publications: N / A
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Summary: An inability to understand and effectively use health information is associated with higher rates of hospitalization, reduced preventive care, and increased medical costs. The report by researchers at the University of Missouri’s Center for Health Policy highlights the benefits of health literacy for both patients and providers. Finally, we need to create opportunities for patients to understand their care as they navigate the healthcare system.

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Main announcement

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that half of the adult population in the United States may not have enough health literacy skills. An inability to understand and effectively use health information is associated with higher hospitalization rates, reduced preventive care, and increased medical costs.

A new report by researchers at the University of Missouri’s Center for Health Policy highlights the benefits of health literacy for both patients and providers.

“Health literacy can enhance the value of care for all,” said Karen Edison, director of MU’s Center for Health Policy and contributing author of the report.

“When patients are given health information in a way they can understand, they tend to make better health decisions.”

The report’s authors used previous evidence-based research to show how health insights can achieve four key goals, also known as “Four times target”. The Quadruple goals are based on improving the quality of care, improving public health, reducing medical costs, and improving the patient and provider experience.

Stan Hudson, MA, deputy director of the MU Center for Health Policy and lead author of the report, said: “The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates that health care costs will cost $3.5 trillion. US dollars in 2017.

“We know from previous research that limited health literacy increases costs not only for the US health system but also for patients and service providers. Based on cost analysis of that study, we estimate that being fully informed about health could save between $105 and $175 billion per year.”

Hudson and his colleagues interviewed health professionals and conducted a survey to learn about available education programs. Interviews and surveys focused on public health, and how patient and provider experiences are impacted by improved health literacy.

“The relationship between health literacy and health outcomes is very important,” says Hudson.

“We found that low health literacy is a contributing factor in increasing the likelihood of remission for chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. From an ethical point of view, it is also plays an important role in equalizing care. Health literacy helps ensure the best quality of care for all.”

Although the MU report identifies the important role that health literacy plays, Hudson suggests that more research is needed to show long-term benefits.

“Evidence for short-term outcomes supports the effectiveness of many health literacy interventions,” says Hudson. “However, no studies have looked at the long-term outcomes, especially as they relate to public health and prevention. This is an area we need further research.”

“Improving health literacy will involve partnering with providers to improve health,” says Edison, who is also the Philip C. Anderson Professor of Dermatology and chair of the Department of Dermatology at MU School of Medicine. communicate more effectively.

“We also need to empower patients and their families through outreach and education strategies. Finally, we need to create opportunities for patients to understand their care as they navigate health care system direction.”

Report, “Improving health and the bottom line: The case for health literacy“recently presented to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine at the Roundtable on Health Medicine in Washington, D.C. Funding for the report was provided by the School’s Department of Health and Medicine. provided by the National Institute.

Reference Source(s):

Health Literacy benefits equate to improved care for everyone | University of Missouri-Columbia (missouri.edu). Disability World makes no warranties or representations regarding that matter. Content may have been edited for style, clarity, or length.

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Cite This Page (APA): University of Missouri-Columbia. (2017, November 28) Health Literacy benefits equate to improved care for everyone. The world of people with disabilities. Accessed October 17, 2022 from www.disabled-world.com/health/literacy-report.php

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