Commentary: Imagine traveling to a country where you don’t speak the language. Picture trying to find the right train to take you to your destination and not being able to read the signs at the station or ask anyone for directions. For many Americans, this is similar to their experience interacting with the healthcare system.
In the United States, more than 90 million adults have low health literacy, or difficulty understanding and using their health information. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines health literacy as the degree to which one has the ability to obtain, communicate, process and understand basic health information and services in order to make appropriate health decisions. Low rates of healthcare literacy are linked to poor outcomes, including higher rates of re-hospitalization and lower adherence to medical regimens.
