Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2009 Mar;38(3):144-7.

Health literacy--a new concept for general practice?

Robert J Adams  1 , Nigel P Stocks, David H Wilson, Catherine L Hill, Susan Gravier, Ilona Kickbusch, Justin J Beilby
Affiliations
  • PMID: 19283256

Health literacy--a new concept for general practice?

Robert J Adams et al. Aust Fam Physician. 2009 Mar.

Abstract

Background: Health literacy is the ability to understand and interpret the meaning of health information in written, spoken or digital form and how this motivates people to embrace or disregard actions relating to health.

Objective: This article aims to describe the concept of health literacy, its importance and its applications in the general practice setting.

Discussion: Australia trails behind other western countries in practical applications of health literacy. Health literacy underpins the efficiency of consultations, health promotion efforts, and self management programs. Recognition of the health literacy status of individuals allows use of appropriate communication tools. This can save time and effort and improve patient satisfaction and health outcomes.

PubMed Disclaimer