Health literacy is defined as the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic information and services needed to make appropriate decisions about their health. Studies show that it is a strong predictor of health status.  Inadequate health literacy can lead to numerous negative effects on an individual’s health and well-being, including poor self-care, increased utilization of health services, worse outcomes, and less likelihood of receiving preventive care and services.

The 2004 Institute of Medicine report, Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion, states that “health literacy is fundamental to quality care,” yet data show that nearly half of American adults struggle with understanding and using information on their health. New methods and tools are required to achieve a new level of health communication, to ensure that patients and families do not suffer needlessly, receive the best available care, and have the best possible outcomes. 

IHI’s new Web&ACTION, Health Literacy: New Methods for Patient Education and Self-Management Support, will help participants develop their expertise in health literacy through process diagnostics and test-of-change exercises with patients and families in their care. National experts will share both research and front-line experience in helping caregivers in all health care settings (hospitals, office practices, home care, etc.) reduce the risks related to poor patient understanding of health care information and self-care instructions.

Upon completion of this Web&ACTION, participants will be able to:

• Describe the relationship between health literacy and improving quality and safety of care, managing chronic disease, eliminating health disparities, and focusing on the patient.
• Discover how their current patient education materials and processes may underachieve and test improvements.
• Identify, test, and evaluate tools and techniques for supporting all members of the health care team in helping patients and families understand medical instructions and information.