Health literacy is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as, “the cognitive and social skills which determine the motivation and ability of individuals to gain access to, understand, and use information in ways that promote and maintain good health” (n.d.). The American Medical Association (AMA) defines health literacy as, “a constellation of skills, including the ability to perform basic reading and numerical tasks required to function in the health care environment” (Baker, 2006). These definitions highlight the importance of health literacy for both healthcare workers and patients.
Whether it is the ability to fully analyze and interpret a researched study, or to speak to patients in a way that gains their trust and develops their understanding, health literacy directly relates to patient care.
However, understanding the importance of health literacy does not directly correlate to effective health literacy, so how does health literacy impact patient outcomes? What barriers or social determinants might impact health literacy?
For this Discussion, reflect on your understanding of health literacy, health information technology, and health economics. Consider the impact of each of these topics and explore how they are related to patient care. You will also recommend strategies to overcome potential barriers as they relate to the topics.
References:
Baker, D. W. (2006). The meaning and measure of health literacy. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 21(8), 878–883. doi:10.1111/j.1525-1497.2006.00540.x
World Health Organization. (n.d.). Health promotion. https://www.who.int/teams/health-promotion/enhanced-wellbeing/seventh-global-conference/health-literacy#:~:text=Health%20Literacy%20has%20been%20defined,promote%20and%20maintain%20good%20health
Resources

• American Nurses Association. (2015). Nursing informaticsLinks to an external site.: Scope and standards of practice (2nd ed.).
o “Standard 5: Implementation” (pp. 73–74)
o “Standard 5a: Coordination of Activities” (p. 75)
o “Standard 6: Evaluation” (p. 78)
o “Standard 11: Communication” (p. 86)
o “Standard 12: Leadership” (pp. 87–88)
o “Standard 15: Resource Utilization” (p. 92)
• Bakken, S., & Dreisbach, C. (2022). Informatics and data science perspective on Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a pathway to health equityLinks to an external site.. Nursing Outlook, 70, S77–S87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.outlook.2022.04.004
• Cummins, M., Kennedy, R., McBride, S. & Carrington, J. (2021). Policy priorities in nursing informatics: The American Academy of Nursing Informatics and Technology Expert Panel in 2020Links to an external site.. CIN: Computers, Informatics, Nursing, 39(3), 120–122. https://doi.org/10.1097/CIN.0000000000000731
• Johnson, C. B. (2024). Nurse informaticists’ role in promoting health equityLinks to an external site.. Nursing, 54(5), 38–44. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.NURSE.0001007640.39208.74

• Review the Learning Resources associated with the topics: Health Literacy, Health Information Technology (HIT) on Patient Outcomes, and Health Economics.
• Consider the role of each of these topics in influencing how healthcare is delivered and practiced in your healthcare organization or nursing practice.
By Day 3 of Week 8
Post a cohesive response that addresses the following:
• What strategies do you recommend for addressing barriers and challenges associated with social determinants of health in nursing practice? How can nurses effectively use information technologies to support the delivery of equitable care to all patients?
By Day 6 of Week 8
Read a selection of your colleagues’ blog posts and respond to at least two of your colleagues on two different days by expanding upon their responses or sharing additional or alternative perspectives.