Health Literacy




(DeSousa, 2012)



 

   If you take the time to think about it, we have all experienced reduced health literacy, not due to being illiterate or a language barrier but simply because of reduced understanding or decision processes.  De Sousa (2012) suggests that health literacy and general literacy are comparable however the ability to listen, scrutinize and make decisions to improve health literacy.

  As I researched this topic I have discovered very little formative data on how health literacy is assessed by the medical community and less information on how a patient is identified as requiring assistance. (Coleman, Hudson & Maine, 2013, p.83)  I have included the illustration of The Health Literacy Umbrella as it depicts the many aspects of health literacy that are needed between the patient and health care team.  Peer support is described by Harris et al., (2015) as “the provision of emotional, appraisal and informational assistance by a created social network member who possesses knowledge…”. 

 

   Our interview with Peter highlights the benefits of peer support that was provided to him at a time when he had no idea of the direction he should look.  The difficulty that is experienced with sudden changes in social, work and financial situations is quite overwhelming.  As a nurse in any healthcare setting, it is important to remember the person who is requiring assistance and not always the task you need to complete.

   We can begin to empower individuals by building resilience and improve the communities in which they live.  WHO (World Health Organisation, 2016) indicates that health literacy is an asset for individuals and their community as this promotes resource development, builds strength individually, it will become a culture and will encourage positive lifestyle changes.



 

(www.slideshare.net, 2016)





 

Coleman, C., Hudson, S., & Maine, L. (2013). Health Literacy Practices and Educational 
     Competencies for Health Professionals: A Consensus Study. Journal Of Health Communication,
     18(sup1), 82-102. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10810730.2013.829538

De Sousa, R. (2012). What is Health Literacy. NUTR 360 - fal 12. Retrieved from
     http://www.personal.psu.edu/bal18/blogs/nutr_360-fall_12/2012/09/what-is-health-literacy-2.html

Harris, J., Springett, J., Croot, L., Booth, A., Campbell, F., & Thompson, J. et al. (2015). Can
    community-based peer support promote health literacy and reduce inequalities? A realist review.
    Public Health Research, 3(3), 1-192. http://dx.doi.org/10.3310/phr03030

World Health Organization (WHO). (2013) Health Literacy. The Solid Facts [Online]. Available
   from: http://www.thehealthwell.info/node/534072 [Accessed: 4th February 2016]. 

www.slideshare.net,. (2016). SlideShare.net. Retrieved 3 February 2016, from
   http://www.slideshare.net