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Review
. 2023 Nov 17:5:1264780.
doi: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1264780. eCollection 2023.

Improving health literacy using the power of digital communications to achieve better health outcomes for patients and practitioners

Patrick J Fitzpatrick  1
Affiliations
Review

Improving health literacy using the power of digital communications to achieve better health outcomes for patients and practitioners

Patrick J Fitzpatrick. Front Digit Health. .

Abstract

Digital communication tools have demonstrated significant potential to improve health literacy which ultimately leads to better health outcomes. In this article, we examine the power of digital communication tools such as mobile health apps, telemedicine and online health information resources to promote health and digital literacy. We outline evidence that digital tools facilitate patient education, self-management and empowerment possibilities. In addition, digital technology is optimising the potential for improved clinical decision-making, treatment options and communication among providers. We also explore the challenges and limitations associated with digital health literacy, including issues related to access, reliability and privacy. We propose leveraging digital communication tools is key to optimising engagement to enhance health literacy across demographics leading to transformation of healthcare delivery and driving better outcomes for all.

Keywords: AI in healthcare; clinical decision support systems (CDSS); digital communications in healthcare; digital health governance; digital health regulation; health inequities and inclusion; health literacy (HL).

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Illustration of the various dimensions of health literacy and the impact on different health domains. [Adapted from HLS-EU 2019 (13)].
Figure 2
Figure 2
Full spectrum of healthcare services.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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