LibGuides: Health Information Literacy: What's HIL?

Definition

"Quality information is essential for improved health." (MLA - Medical Library Association)

Medical, library, and education organizations define health information literacy is the ability to

identify a health information need
access, find, or obtain that information
understand and use that information to make good health decisions

Health literacy is also about exchanging healthcare information. It is reading and writing, but also how people communicate about health through speaking, drawing pictures, and using technology. Health Literacy issues can also be caused by sensory, developmental or intellectual disabilities.

Health Information Literacy Meets Evidence-Based Practice
Schardt C; Journal of the Medical Library Association, 2011 Jan; 99 (1): 1-2 (journal article)
Health Literacy Interventions and Outcomes: An Updated Systematic Review
Berkman, N. D., Sheridan, S. L., Donahue, K. E., Halpern, D. J., Viera, A., Crotty, K., Holland, A., Brasure, M., Lohr, K. N., Harden, E., Tant, E., Wallace, I., & Viswanathan, M. (2011). Evidence Reports/Technology Assessments
Life Skills to Life Savings: Health Literacy in Adult Education Diehl, S. (2007)
Life skills to life saving: Health literacy in adult education. Adult Learning, 15(1/2), 26-29.
more...less...
This article describes how adult educators can build their students health literacy skills.
Low Health Literacy: Implications for National Health Care Policy
Vernon, J. A., Trujillo, A., Rosenbaum, S. & DeBuono, B. (2007).
more...less...
Low health literacy: Implications for national health care policy. Washington, DC: George Washington University School of Public Health and Heath Services. (Center for Health Policy Research Report)

This report describes the current state of health literacy and the costs of low health literacy on both the health system and society. Search for the title on this site: http://www.gwumc.edu/sphhs/index.cfm
A Second Look at the Health Literacy of American Adults & the National Assessment of Adult Literacy Focus on Basics
Volume 9, Issue B, Sept. 08: P. 46
What is Health Literacy?
more...less...
This article by Andres Muro gives an overview of health literacy from the perspective of adult literacy educators and learners. It includes information on why adult literacy programs are good partners and how to form collaborations between literacy and health programs.

AMA Foundation - Public Health - Health Literacy Program
Health Literacy Missouri Library
The Library brings together reviewed health literacy materials in a centralized location. The resources are searchable through a web-based interface. The Library is a resource for librarians, health care providers and consumers.
Healthy People 2030
Literacy Information and Communication System
The Institute serves as a national resource on current, comprehensive literacy research, practice and policy.
Medical Library Association
MLA's goal is to provide "quality information for improved health". This site provides health literacy resources for health and information professionals along with resources for health consumers.
National Assessment of Adult Literacy
Questions Are the Answer -- Be More Engaged in Your Health Care
Resources created by AHRQ Agency for Healtcare Research and Quality (part of the U.S.Department of Health & Human Services)
Quick Guide to Health Literacy
This resource is from the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services. This is a reference for professionals interested in health literacy. The strategies discussed in the guide reflect the current body of research in health literacy and health communication.
What Did the Doctor Say? Improving Health Literacy to Protect Patient Safety
more...less...
In this white paper, the Joint Commission makes three recommendations: 1. Make effective communications an organizational priority to protect the safety of patients; 2. Address patients’ communication needs across the continuum of care; 3. Pursue policy changes that promote improved practitioner-patient communication.