Health Literacy

"The degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate decisions."
(Parker & Ratzan, 2001)

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Health Literacy Video

Low health literacy is a silent epidemic that can lead to medial errors and poor health outcomes.

In the effort to educate physicians about the problem of low patient health literacy, the American College of Physicians Foundation (ACP Foundation) is distributing a noteworthy video cataloguing the hidden epidemic of low health literacy in America that causes needless suffering to millions of patients and families each year –and translates to billions of dollars in unnecessary healthcare costs.

The 6 ½ minute video gives a powerful illustration of the problem of low health literacy, combining interviews with actual patients, commentary from practicing physicians, and health communication statistics. With its patient testimonials and the involvement of real medical staff, the health literacy video lends a voice to those that have been affected by an epidemic that has silently plundered the health of patients.

Many physicians have found the video to be eye-opening, demonstrating the barriers to communication that health professionals face. This video has proven to be an invaluable resource as the ACP Foundation seeks to improve health care quality and health outcomes through reductions of errors and the promotion of shared decision making.

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