Health literacy is defined as “the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions” (Healthy People 2010. Health Communication Terminology). According to the Institute of Medicine, up to 90 million Americans have low health literacy. Low health literacy can affect anyone, but is particularly acute in older adults, minority populations, the poor, and the medically underserved. Low health literacy can negatively impact the use of preventive services, knowledge about medical conditions and treatments, and rates of hospitalization. It has also been linked to increased healthcare costs.
In order to support Henry Ford Health System’s efforts in combating low health literacy, the Sladen Library provides access to many web and print resources addressing health literacy. The webpage Health Literacy Resources http://www.henryfordconnect.com/sladen.cfm?id=413 is an annotated bibliography of web sites on health literacy. The Library has also compiled an extensive list of web sites on literacy and health literacy. In order to access this listing, go to Sladen Web Resources http://sladen.hfhs.org/links/index.htm and scroll down to Health Literacy. In addition to web resources, the Library offers a collection of pamphlets and brochures written for patients on various health topics.
Additional Resources:
- Health Literacy, http://www.hrsa.gov/healthliteracy/default.htm
- Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion, http://www.iom.edu/?id=32784
-Quick Guide to Health Literacy, Health Literacy and Health Outcomes http://www.health.gov/communication/literacy/quickguide/factsliteracy.htm
-Quick Guide to Health Literacy, Health Literacy Basics http://www.health.gov/communication/literacy/quickguide/factsbasic.htm
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