Why Health Literacy Matters to You as a Provider
As a healthcare professional, you work hard to support your patients’ health. But even the best care can fall short if your patients don’t understand what you’re saying.
That’s where health literacy comes in.
Health literacy is about making health information easy to find, easy to understand, and easy to use. When patients understand their health, they’re more likely to follow instructions, ask questions, and take steps to stay well.
Why it matters:
- Patients who understand their care are more likely to follow through.
- Clear communication builds trust and saves time.
- Misunderstandings can lead to missed appointments, medication errors, and poor outcomes.
Your role:
Here are just a couple of key things you can do:
✅ Use plain language—skip the jargon.
✅ Ask patients to “teach back” what they’ve heard to make sure it’s clear.
✅ Use visual aids, models, and interpreter services when needed.
✅ Create a safe space for questions.
Health literacy is not just a “nice-to-have”—it’s a vital part of quality care.