Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
2025-05-05
Abstract
Abstract
Health literacy is an individual's ability to find, understand, and apply health information to make health decisions. Approximately one-third of Americans are estimated to have basic to below-basic health literacy. Basic literacy includes the ability to read a pamphlet; below basic is the inability to read and understand simple instructions. In the veteran population, it is estimated that 55% have less than adequate health literacy, increasing up to 60% for those who have a history of combat, post-traumatic stress disorder, or traumatic brain injury. Low health literacy is a strong predictor of poor health outcomes. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) primary care clinics provide care to thousands of veterans annually. Currently, there is no standard evidence-based tool to assess veteran health literacy, and primary care staff lack the necessary communication tools to improve the health literacy of veterans. Implementing an educational offering to introduce the Newest Vital Sign assessment tool and communication strategies, including a teach-back method, would educate primary care providers and nursing staff. The anticipated result of this education is that knowledgeable primary care providers and nurses can assess and implement strategies to improve veteran health literacy. Improving veteran health literacy is expected to increase veteran participation in shared decision-making, enhance the utilization of preventive care measures, reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization by lowering emergency and admission rates, and decrease pharmacy costs.
Keywords: health literacy, health literacy and veterans, health literacy and disease prevalence, health literacy assessment tools, health literacy, and health outcomes
License
1
