Health Literacy and the Patient With Heart Failure—Implications for Patient Care and Research: A Consensus Statement of the Heart Failure Society of America
Received 26 May 2009; received in revised form 22 October 2009; accepted 30 October 2009. published online 11 December 2009.
Abstract
Background
Low health literacy compromises patient safety, quality health care, and desired health outcomes. Specifically, low health literacy is associated with decreased knowledge of one's medical condition, poor medication recall, nonadherence to treatment plans, poor self-care behaviors, compromised physical and mental health, greater risk of hospitalization, and increased mortality.
Methods
The health literacy literature was reviewed for: definitions, scope, risk factors, assessment, impact on health outcomes (cardiovascular disease and heart failure), and interventions. Implications for future research and for clinical practice to address health literacy in heart failure patients were summarized.
Results
General health literacy principles should be applied to patients with heart failure, similar to others with chronic conditions. Clinicians treating patients with heart failure should address health literacy using five steps: recognize the consequences of low health literacy, screen patients at risk, document literacy levels and learning preferences, and integrate effective strategies to enhance patients' understanding into practice.
Conclusion
Although the literature specifically addressing low health literacy in patients with heart failure is limited, it is consistent with the larger body of health literacy evidence. Timely recognition of low health literacy combined with tailored interventions should be integrated into clinical practice.
Reprint requests: Lorraine S. Evangelista, RN, PhD, UCLA School of Nursing, 700 Tiverton, Factor Building, Los Angeles, CA 90095-6918. Tel: 310-825-8609; Fax: 310-794-7482.
Disclosures are on file with the Heart Failure Society of America as a condition of participation on this health literacy task force. The disclosures are updated annually.
ABSTRACT