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Occupational Therapy

Why Health Literacy Matters in Occupational Therapy

Health literacy is more than just reading ability—it's the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information to make informed decisions. For occupational therapy (OT) professionals, promoting health literacy is essential to ensure clients can follow care plans, manage chronic conditions, and achieve better health outcomes.

What Is Health Literacy?

Health literacy involves:
  • Understanding medical instructions
  • Navigating the healthcare system
  • Communicating symptoms and needs
  • Making informed health decisions
Types of Health Literacy:
  • Functional: Basic reading and writing skills to function in healthcare settings.
  • Interactive: Advanced skills to actively participate in care.
  • Critical: Ability to analyze and use information to exert greater control over life events.

Tools and Resources for OT Students

Understanding and assessing health literacy is essential for occupational therapy students preparing for clinical practice. These tools and resources help you evaluate patients’ literacy levels and communicate more effectively.

Assessment Tools

Plain Language Resources


Case Example: Health Literacy in Action

Scenario: A 65-year-old client with arthritis is given a home exercise program.

  • Challenge: The client forgets instructions and misinterprets diagrams.
  • OT Strategy:
    • Simplified instructions with step-by-step visuals
    • Teach-back method to confirm understanding
    • Follow-up call to reinforce key points

Outcome: Improved adherence and reduced pain over 4 weeks.

Cultural and Linguistic Considerations

  • Use interpreters when needed
  • Be aware of cultural beliefs about health and disability
  • Provide materials in the client’s preferred language

Interactive Learning

Engage with these tools to deepen your understanding of health literacy and apply it in occupational therapy practice.


 Self-Check Quiz: Are You Health Literacy Aware?
Downloadable Handouts

Health Literacy (definition of concept)

Health Literacy

Definition

Health Literacy is defined in the Institute of Medicine report, Health Literacy: A Prescription to End Confusion,(link is external) as "the degree to which individuals have the capacity to obtain, process, and understand basic health information and services needed to make appropriate health decisions."

Health literacy requires a complex group of reading, listening, analytical, and decision-making skills, as well as the ability to apply these skills to health situations. For example, it includes the ability to understand instructions on prescription drug bottles, appointment slips, medical education brochures, doctor's directions and consent forms, and the ability to negotiate complex health care systems. --NNLM.gov website

This online learning module has been divided into 3 sections--1.) Concept overview, 2.) Concepts in client/patient learning  3.) Examples of patient education resources & educational handouts. Your instructor has assigned you this online training as part of your course content. Please complete or review each section (including the assessment at the end of each) to show competency with Health Literacy training.