Even more seasoned healthcare professionals focus more on the language interpretation and cultural aspects of health literacy rather than seeing the whole picture. Health.gov gives a rather extensive definition of health literacy. In simplest terms, health literacy is a patient's ability to receive information about their health and be able to apply that information to meet their health needs and to improve their health and well being. Although that sounds simple enough, it often is not. Even though studies have shown that using medical terminology does not assist in patient understanding of medical issues, clinicians continue to use complex medical terminology with patients. Photo by Pineapple Supply Co. courtesy of Pexels.com That is the crux of the issue. Discussing medical issues with "me" at "my" level of understanding, as a patient, as a person, as an educated person. In order to do so, healthcare professionals first must take the time to determi
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