Date of Conferral

2016

Degree

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

School

Nursing

Advisor

Eric Riedel

Abstract

Health information literacy influences patient health outcomes, yet almost 90% of adults

struggle to understand health information. This study explored the impact of an education course in health literacy on healthcare professionals' methods of providing information to patients in order to increase effective communication and improve patient outcomes. This study drew from an integrated theoretical framework that suggests development and validation of tools to measure health literacy. Access to and understanding of reliable, high-quality health care information equalizes many other variables that impact health outcomes, including age, economic class, and cultural background. This study analyzed survey data collected from 2 doctors, 2 nurse practitioners, and 1 staff nurse selected based on their expertise and experience working with patients. They completed a learner- centered course, in which learners interact and instructors provide feedback. Based on survey responses, the participants strongly supported implementing the proposed education module. Four of the 5 experts agreed that a course in health literacy will help health care workers recognize and address patients with low health literacy. Limited health literacy is associated with poor health outcomes and higher health care costs. This type of literacy requires a complex group of reading, listening, analytical, and decision- making skills, and the ability to apply these skills to health situations. The results of this study may guide educators to effectively communicate with patients, increase health literacy, and improve patient outcomes.

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